Dear Friends,
The 23rd Psalm is one of the best loved passages in Scripture. Many have learnt it at school, some even before they can read; people breathe it on their deathbed; in the cities or countries where sheep and shepherds are not known, people still recognize and love these words. It is woven into the fabric of many lives.

Psalm 23 makes no requests, but expresses the great confidence of the writer in God, who cares for him personally in the desperate struggles of life. This Psalm is about the relationship between God, the Good Shepherd, and those who are His own. The word for 'shepherd' in the Old Testament comes from the root of the word for 'friend'.

The Psalm has some of the most beautiful language in the Bible. The Shepherd imagery runs strongly throughout Scripture. God is first referred to as a Shepherd in Gen 49:24 : '… But his bow remained steady, his strong arms stayed flexible, because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel …' And the last in Revelation 7:17 ‘’.... because the Lamb, who is in the centre of the throne, will be their Shepherd, and He will guide them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Wherever you are on your journey through life, whether you are beginning the adventure or coming to the end of it, this Psalm brings confidence, comfort, rest, restoration, protection and provision for eternity.

“Psalm 23 maps out a geography of blessing. The believer strolls through God's
backyard, which is strewn with paths and valleys, and ends with a seat at a
table in the house of the Lord.” (The Turbulent Peace The Psalms for our Time, Ray Waddle)

We have all experienced physical pain, but can that match the ache of a fractured spirit… or a broken heart? Stress handled inappropriately often causes this kind of pain. Perhaps you know this … a pain that lies deep, that haunts you through the day or throbs into the night. The Psalm points you to the great and gracious God and in Him there is peace in your future, encouragement and hope big enough to carry you from this day through the rest of your life. No pain is too deep for Him to detect or too hidden for Him to heal.

It is our prayer that our study of Psalm 23 and the application of its truths will bring you relief and healing.

Warm greetings
John and Mandy

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A copy of the sermon is available on Tape or CD. - Orders