Small Group Guide
In this message, Pastor Shawn explores how Psalm 23 is more than a comforting poem—it is a call to surrender our need for control and trust the Good Shepherd to lead us. As we move from trying to manage every detail of our lives to simply following Jesus, we find that rest comes from proximity to Him rather than having all the answers. The core of our faith is trusting that even in the valley, we are held by a Shepherd who laid down His life for us.
Sheep are vulnerable and prone to wandering; we are invited to stop trying to be the 'shepherd' of our own lives and instead trust the One who truly sees the way.
Our exhaustion often comes from filling our lives with distractions or 'counterfeit shepherds'—like money or control—that cannot restore our souls.
Rest is not a sign of laziness but an act of trust; we can 'lie down' when we know the Shepherd is guarding the perimeter.
We learn to hear Jesus' voice through proximity, not just by knowing facts about Him, by spending quiet time in His presence and reading His Word.
Start by having everyone name one 'distraction' they frequently reach for when they feel stressed (e.g., social media, snacks, checking emails). After sharing, ask the group: 'How does reaching for that distraction change your internal sense of peace after ten minutes compared to before?'
Discussion Questions
When you read Psalm 23:1-3, which part of the Shepherd's character—leading, restoring, or guiding—do you need to experience the most this week?
Pastor Shawn mentioned that we often try to play the role of the shepherd in our own lives. What 'perimeter' are you currently trying to patrol or control in your own strength?
Reflecting on John 10:11, how does the image of a Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep change how you view God during your difficult seasons?
What are some of the 'counterfeit shepherds' or distractions you notice yourself turning to when you feel anxious?
The message suggests that rest is a spiritual act of trust. How might your daily schedule need to shift to make room for being 'still' with God?
We discussed learning the voice of the Shepherd through proximity. What is one practical way you can quiet the noise this week to listen for His leading?
What is the 'next yes' you sense the Lord is asking of you, even if it feels small or simple?
Application Steps
Take 10 minutes each day this week to read Psalm 23 slowly, writing down one specific thing you are afraid of and one way you can trust the Shepherd with it.
Identify your 'next yes' to Jesus—something tangible like forgiving a specific person, apologizing for a mistake, or simply setting aside time to pray—and write it down to keep as a reminder.
If you feel comfortable, share your 'next yes' (even if it's just one word) with a friend in this group to help keep each other accountable in following the Shepherd.
Lord, thank You for being the Shepherd who knows our names and leads us beside quiet waters. We admit that we often try to take the staff from Your hand because we are afraid. Help us to be vulnerable enough to be sheep, trusting that Your scarred hands are holding us today. Open our hearts to hear Your voice above all others. Amen.
Jesus, thank You for the grace to follow You one step at a time. We don't need to know the whole journey, just the next step. Give us the courage to follow through on our 'next yes' this week. Whether we are in the pasture or the valley, help us stay close to You, our Good Shepherd. Amen.