STORM SHELTER: PSALMS OF GOD S EMBRACE 10
What s the forecast for today? Hardly a day goes by that I don t check the weather forecast. Why? Because I want to be prepared for sunshine or rain, powdery snow or ice on the roads, clear skies or a tornado. I wish someone could give me a forecast for the real storms of my life: the storms in relationships, temptations, trouble at work, and the general chaos of the daily grind. But, unfortunately, no such technology exists. Instead, I typically put one foot in front of the other and slog through each day as it comes. But we don t have to live that way. We know two things for sure about the storms of life: 1. Storms will come. 2. We are never alone, even in the brutal assaults of life. I m glad you are going to take this journey with me. Our study will show us where God is when we need peace and protection. We are going to study a few psalms ancient worship songs and we will learn where God is and what God is doing in the middle of our storms. But this study is more than just information about God; it is the opportunity to answer the question: Where do I go when life gets tough? Let s learn to live in the middle of the ancient lyrics, these wonderful psalms. These psalms will help us know it is part of God s plan to show up personally, no matter what storm comes our way. He is our storm shelter. Philip Nation Philip Nation is the director of adult ministry publishing with LifeWay Christian Resources and serves as the teaching pastor for The Fellowship, a multi-campus church in Nashville, Tennessee. He coauthored Compelled: Living the Mission of God and Transformational Discipleship: How People Really Grow along with serving as the general editor for The Mission of God Study Bible. 11
SESSION 1 THE SHELTER OF GOD S PRESENCE 12 Session 1
The Point God is with me no matter what I am facing. The Passage Psalm 23:1-6 The Bible Meets Life We need someone to stand with us when people disappoint us or even turn against us. We need to know we are not alone when we experience loss. Life gets us down from time to time, and we could use someone to walk through the experience with us. The Bible points us to God, who never disappoints or hurts us, but He does walk with us. We can discover that God provides what we need and strengthens us with His presence. The Setting David apparently composed this psalm in the midst of or reflecting back on a time when his enemies were close at hand, and the outcome of the conflict was far from certain. The situation was severe enough David could have feared for his life, but instead, God s presence and goodness allowed him to say, I fear no danger. This former shepherd could plainly see how the Great Shepherd guided, cared, and provided for him. GET INTO THE STUDY 10 minutes GUIDE: Direct attention to the image on page 6 of the Personal Study Guide (PSG). Note that there s nothing like a warm shelter in a blizzard. State that this unit of study from the Psalms will remind us that, in the difficult storms of life, we are never alone. (ENHANCEMENT: Note the session titles on Pack Item 1: Storm Shelter. ) GUIDE: Direct the group to look at the picture (see p. 12; [PSG], p. 8). DISCUSS: Question #1 (PSG, p. 8): What is the biggest storm you ve ever encountered? GUIDE: Direct attention to The Bible Meets Life (PSG, p. 9). Stress that, like the author, seniors have likely faced their fare share of unexpected storms. GUIDE: Introduce The Point (PSG, p. 9): God is with me no matter what I am facing. Stress that Psalm 23 reminds us that we can always find shelter in God s presence. SUGGESTED USE WEEK OF DECEMBER 7 13
THE POINT God is with me no matter what I am facing. STUDY THE BIBLE Psalm 23:1-3 GUIDE: Invite the group to turn to Psalm 23. Acknowledge that this psalm of David is one of the most familiar Bible passages. READ: Invite a volunteer to read verses 1-3. 10 minutes DISCUSS: Question #2 (PSG, p. 10): What is your initial reaction to these verses? (Alternate: Which of the Shepherd s actions is most meaningful to you right now?) GUIDE: Invite volunteers to name some challenges seniors may face. Write these on a board or a large sheet of paper. Ask group members to imagine facing these challenges alone. Then invite a volunteer to stand up. Psalm 23:1-3 1 The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. 2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name s sake. God is with me to guide me and provide what I need. David grew up tending the flocks of his father, Jesse (1 Sam. 16:10-13). As a shepherd, David learned important lessons about shepherding, but he also learned many vital spiritual lessons from shepherding. He saw how the sheep s survival depended on his faithful care of them. He also learned he could trust the Lord for his personal safety in the wilderness with the sheep, when wild animals often threatened him and the flock (17:34-36). That confidence led him to stand against Goliath, the Philistine giant, when no member of the Israelite army would do so. David trusted God to empower him to defeat Goliath because David knew God had provided him all he needed to be a good shepherd. David defeated Goliath, and Israel won a great victory because David trusted in God s presence and protection. David also learned about the tender care sheep required as they depended on him to get them safely from place to place. Their lives were in his hands; they lived or died depending on David s leadership as a shepherd. When he became Israel s king, he saw how his subjects depended on him to lead them too. A king s decisions could impact the lives of many people for good or for bad. Most of all, as a shepherd, David saw a picture of the relationship he enjoyed with God his perfect Shepherd. God looked after David and cared for every aspect of his life, from Bethlehem s pastures to Jerusalem s palace. Psalm 23 uses this shepherd imagery to proclaim profound truth about Notes 14 Session 1
God s loving presence and care for His people no matter what challenges they face. David s opening affirmation the Lord is my Shepherd sets the foundation for the psalm. First, David described the personal aspect of his relationship with God by using the word my. The Lord was David s shepherd; He took responsibility for caring for and guiding David. Throughout this psalm, David affirmed God s personal guidance and provision. Second, David knew he was not in charge; God was! Sheep follow shepherds; sheep do not lead shepherds! God was present to lead David, and David needed to follow. God would get David where David needed to go and through the challenges David would face. This truth no doubt set David s mind at ease when he faced trials. Third, God knew David s needs and would provide for them, just as a shepherd provides for his sheep. David affirmed God s presence and provision in the words there is nothing I lack. David had little when he was in the wilderness tending sheep, but he provided for their needs. With God as his Shepherd, David lacked nothing he needed; he could follow God, content with what God provided. Fourth, God s presence meant God s protection. In ancient Israel, people who cared for the animals of others were responsible to the owners for those animals (Ex. 22:10-13). God would protect David just as shepherds protected sheep. David indeed would face life s trials and challenges, but always with his ever-present God at his side. God would protect David from harm and be with David in difficult circumstances. The expression He lets me lie down stresses the Shepherd s leadership. The sheep only lie down where the shepherd directs. Their safety and well-being are always his concern, and he knows what is best for them. Green pastures literally means pastures of vegetation, perhaps an area of relative plenty in the wilderness. Vegetation is scarce in the wilderness during much of the year. But good shepherds know where to find food and water for their sheep. During the summer months, patches of green vegetation stand out on brown hillsides. These green patches also indicate the presence of water, for vegetation will not endure without it in the summer heat. In the Judean wilderness today, one often sees shepherds tending sheep. The wilderness seems barren, but the shepherd knows how to provide for his sheep there. Notes Go and stand beside that person. Point out that when you have someone with you, facing a storm of life is more manageable and less daunting. SAY: Remember, if we have placed our faith in Christ, we are never alone. GUIDE: Emphasize again The Point by leading the group to read it aloud together (PSG, top of p. 10): God is with me no matter what I am facing. GUIDE: Share some of David s story. He grew up tending his father s flocks, thus gaining insight into the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep. In this psalm, David expressed just how God was his Shepherd. Explain that in verses 1-3, we find three things God does for us as our Shepherd. Invite volunteers to identify them. (HINT: Look for the bold print in the PSG on pp. 10, 11, 12.) 1. God provides for us. 2. God renews us. 3. God guides us. 15
THE POINT God is with me no matter what I am facing. SUMMARIZE: God provides for us. A shepherd does more than just protect the sheep; he also provides for their needs. God does the same for us. He is such a good Shepherd we will lack nothing (v. 1). In the midst of life s needs, sorrows, and grief, God provides perfectly for us according to what He deems best. God renews us. The psalm refers to green pastures (v. 2) a place of rest and quiet waters a source of refreshment. Only God s presence in our lives leads us to these places of genuine refreshment. God guides us. Life is filled with distractions and dangers. God desires to help us navigate through life; in fact, He is present, guiding us so we will stay on course. When we are pulled and tempted to get off course or when we wander off course (as sheep often do) His presence will guide us back onto the right paths (v. 3). The Shepherd is not only interested in rescuing us; he is also wants to restore us. Quiet waters again stresses the shepherd s care. Rushing waters would prove dangerous to sheep that are fairly clumsy by nature. The shepherd either led them to gently flowing waters or dammed up a faster stream with stones to provide a pool for the sheep to drink from without fear. David saw in the shepherd s work a striking parallel to God s loving care for him. God walked with him, guiding his life at every turn. He knew David s weaknesses and met David where he was. Shepherds led sheep from place to place, providing opportunities to eat and drink. The food and water gave sheep strength for the journey to the next pasture area. One area would not sustain a large flock for long. David s testimony He renews my life affirmed how God refreshed David along the shepherd s life journey. God always knew what was coming next, and provided for David accordingly. Seeing God s faithfulness again and again refreshed David like food and water refreshed sheep in the wilderness. He trusted God more and more as he walked with Him. The words right paths can be translated paths of righteousness. Once again, David perceived a spiritual application to a basic principle about sheep and shepherds. Just as a shepherd led his sheep along safe paths, so the Lord led David along the right paths. He knew where David needed to go to fulfill the purpose He had prepared for him. Another path might be easier to navigate, but the shepherd would know which path would lead the sheep to their destination. He would take care to guide his flock on their way. God led David as He did for His name s sake. The shepherd s reputation was at stake as he cared for the safety of the sheep under his charge. The prophets often described Israel s leaders as bad shepherds who cared only for themselves (Ezek. 34:1-6). God would hold accountable those who failed their sheep. As David reflected on his relationship with the Lord, he knew God put His very reputation at stake as He cared for David. The Lord had promised to care for His people; He would make good on His word. He guided David in the way David needed to go spiritually so David s life would reflect God s faithfulness in every way. The prophet Ezekiel later would describe how God would faithfully shepherd Notes 16 Session 1
His people one day (Ezek. 34:11-16). God makes that same provision for believers today through His Holy Spirit, who comes to us when we receive Christ (Eph. 1:13-14). David also recognized God s comforting presence as his Shepherd during many challenges David faced. Before David became king, King Saul considered him a threat and pursued David to kill him (1 Sam. 24:1-2; 26:1-3). After David became king, he had to subdue neighboring kingdoms who threatened Israel (2 Sam. 5:17-25; 8:2-6,13-14; 10:1-19). David also had to face the sin and rebellion of his own family members (13:1-20; 15 18). Nonetheless, David affirmed God s consistent faithfulness in his life (22:1-51). TRANSITION: Acknowledge that some group members may be going through dark valleys. In verses 4-5, David recognized God s presence and work even in times of danger and difficulty. Psalm 23:4-5 4 Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. KEY WORD: Anoint (v. 5) The Hebrew term denotes the pouring of perfumed oil on a guest s head (Luke 7:46). Psalm 23:5 describes God honoring David as His special guest. God is present with me even in difficult circumstances. Verse 4 s opening words, even when I go through the darkest valley, reveal David s understanding that life was not easy. Many challenges and trials would come, and God did not necessarily spare him from those. Rather, He walked with David through those challenges and trials. His presence would comfort David, His protection would defend David, and His provision would satisfy David. Darkest valley literally can be translated the ravine of the shadow of death. The words denote a tight, narrow ravine; such ravines are common in Judah s wilderness. The wilderness is quite dark at night, and thus ravines are extremely STUDY THE BIBLE Psalm 23:4-5 10 minutes READ: Invite a volunteer to read verses 4-5. GUIDE: Note some of the storms of life the author mentioned (PSG, p. 13). (Some of these may be the same or similar to those you listed in the previous section.) An unexpected death of a loved one A long-term illness A broken relationship A rapidly declining retirement account Notes 17
THE POINT God is with me no matter what I am facing. GUIDE: Stress that no matter the storm, God is with us, and that makes all the difference. David wrote: Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger (v. 4). Why? Because You are with me. At times, we may feel alone and defenseless. It s in these very circumstances we can continue to trust that God is with us. DISCUSS: Question #3 (PSG, p. 14): What keeps us from sometimes recognizing God s presence? SUMMARIZE: God s presence in our lives offers these gifts: Protection: In verse 4, David imagined the shepherd s protective tools, his rod (a shorter, club-like stick) and the staff (See the Bible commentary. 1 ) as symbols of the comfort found in God s ever-present protection. Dangerous storms will come. But as David did, we too can find great comfort in knowing our Shepherd protects us. dangerous for a variety of reasons. A shepherd might slip and fall, leaving the sheep helpless and defenseless in the wilderness. Sheep could wander down the steep slope and fall into the ravine. Wild animals might lurk along the bottom of the canyon, waiting to attack those who fell in. Thieves and robbers could hide along the edge, looking to steal the shepherd s animals or money. The way from Jerusalem to Jericho a wilderness area for shepherds provided many such opportunities for evildoers. Jesus referred to that risky journey in the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:30). Despite these potential dangers, David knew a dark valley might contain the right path; even so, he needed to navigate it carefully. God s presence did not preclude difficulty. Still, David affirmed I fear no danger as he went through life. His Shepherd was guiding him; nothing would take God by surprise. You are with me provides the key to David s lack of fear. God s enduring presence and action on his behalf assured him all would be well; nothing lay beyond God s sovereign supervision. The Lord has also promised never to leave or forsake any of His children (Heb. 13:5). The Hebrew word translated rod can refer to a club, an instrument of protection. Wild animals often saw sheep as easy prey. Shepherds had to fend them off with some kind of weapon. 1 A shepherd s staff typically was made of wood and provided him something to lean on for support and to guide his sheep as he led them through the wilderness. It would steady him in places where the footing was treacherous, and thus helped him better lead and care for his sheep as they traveled the wilderness. A shepherd s staff also often had a hook a bend in one end to enable the shepherd to lift a sheep out of a crevice or pit when they fell. Just as a shepherd s protection and care would comfort sheep, so God s loving care and protection comforted David. At this point in the psalm, the metaphor moves to a picture of even greater intimacy of close fellowship as David and God enjoyed a meal together. A meal with a friend might be a blessing, but a meal with God is the greatest blessing. The Lord hosted the meal and would prepare a table so Notes 18 Session 1
that He and David could enjoy a meal. Such an arrangement presupposed a good level of security, though being in the presence of my enemies may not appear to suggest it. But God would protect David in every circumstance. Even David s greatest adversaries dared not approach as he dined with the King of kings. David had many enemies. Kings of rival nations sought to free themselves from his control. Within his kingdom, David sometimes faced threats from those who wanted to take power from him (2 Sam. 20:1-2). Within David s own family, his son Absalom rebelled against him and sought to take the kingdom (2 Sam. 15 18). We do not know when in David s life he wrote Psalm 23. Nonetheless, he could affirm God s presence with him as he faced all his enemies. God s presence also appears in the image of His enjoying a meal with David. God met David right where he was, though His might and power far exceeded David s. God also met us right where we are when He sent His only Son into the world (John 3:16). Jesus walked among us as fully God and fully man (1:14), though He enjoyed fellowship with His Father from eternity past (17:5). With His incarnation, Jesus personally brought God s presence to earth (Heb. 1:1-2). Summer temperatures in the Judean wilderness often exceed 100 degrees. The humidity is quite low and one s skin can easily become dry. Even today, a host might anoint a guest s skin with oil. Combined with a gentle breeze, this would cool David s head and refresh him. Moreover, anointing David with perfumed oil would signify God was treating David as His special guest (Luke 7:46). A Middle Eastern host desired his guests to be comfortable and to feel special, similar to people who host gatherings today. My cup overflows indicates David had plenty to eat and drink. God treated David to a wonderful banquet that more than satisfied his appetite. It suggests the abundance of God s blessing beyond the basics. In the Lord, David had all he would ever need, including complete security. God was with him all the time, no matter what David faced. Notes Courage: In many of the dark valleys we pass through, there is really nothing we can do except pray. It s in prayer connecting with the presence of God in our lives that we gain our courage. Victory: The imagery in verse 5 is one of celebration. The enemy is forced to watch us celebrate. A huge banquet table is set before us, and we re the honored guests. God has set us apart unto Himself. When we dine with the King, our cup will overflow with more of God s abundance than we can ever consume. DISCUSS: Question #4 (PSG, p. 15): How has God s presence in your life made you braver than you would be otherwise? (Alternate: How can we intentionally enjoy God s presence?) TRANSITION: Meditating on God s presence in our lives will likely bring us to a point of praise, just as it did for David in verse 6. 19
THE POINT God is with me no matter what I am facing. STUDY THE BIBLE Psalm 23:6 10 minutes READ: Read verse 6. SUMMARIZE: The word only also means surely. David was not implying that he would never see hardship. He was confident, however, that he would always know the comfort of God s sustaining presence. Just as David did, we too can depend on God s goodness and love at life s every turn for all the days of our lives. SAY: God takes active steps in our lives so we will know His goodness and faithful love in every situation. DISCUSS: Question #5 (PSG, p. 16): What does it mean to you that God s goodness and love pursue you? Psalm 23:6 6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live. Dwelling in God s loving presence can be a constant in my life. As David concluded, he continued to express confidence in his relationship with the Lord. The opening word only also means surely. David was not implying that he would never see hardship in life. He would, however, always know the comfort of God s sustaining presence. David could always count on God s goodness. David would not consider everything that came his way as good, but he could always count on the Good Shepherd to be good. The Hebrew word translated faithful love is a rich theological word. It describes all the blessings that come to God s children. In other contexts it is translated mercy, faithfulness, covenant love, loyalty, or grace. Goodness and faithful love are wonderful gifts of God. They would actively pursue David, just as they pursue believers today. This pursuit is best seen in how God provided salvation through Jesus sacrificial death, and how He works in the lives of individuals to bring them into a personal relationship with Himself through faith in Christ. All the days of my life reflects David s confidence he could count on God s presence and protection as long as he lived. God never would abandon him or cease to provide for Him. The goodness and faithful love that pursued David all his days came from God and denoted God s active presence in David s life. David testified, I will dwell in the house of the Lord, a vivid picture of a deep relationship, like that between close friends. House of the Lord does not describe the temple, which David s son Solomon built after David s death (1 Kings 6 7). It is likely that David was not intending a specific place; he used the term metaphorically to mean Notes (Alternate: How can we help each other feel more confident in God s love?) 20 Session 1
ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/AUDREY SMITH he would enjoy God s presence forever. In Psalm 27:4, David affirmed that close fellowship with the Lord was the one thing he desired more than anything else. As long as I live literally means length of days and does not specifically refer to eternity, but God s covenant and commitment has no end. Some interpreters, therefore, suggest this speaks of God s love and grace into eternity. Indeed, the Bible teaches that eternal life begins at Christian conversion (John 17:3; Eph. 1:13), so such an interpretation makes sense. Dwelling in God s loving presence can be a constant in our lives, and in eternity our relationship with God will surpass anything we have ever known in this life (Rev. 21:1-4). Mosaic depicts a shepherd playing a flute; 2nd cent. A.D., Corinthian. The following excerpt is from the article, Shepherds: A Biblical Image of God and His Chosen Leaders (Win. 2009-10), which relates to this session and can be purchased at www.lifeway.com/ biblicalillustrator. The Bible often refers to God calling on leaders to shepherd His people. He reminded Nathan that all who ruled His people in the past were those whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel (2 Sam. 7:7). These rulers included Moses and Aaron (Ps. 77:20), and David, whom God chose from tending the sheep to be the shepherd of his people (78:71). Read Valleys and Pastures: A Geographical Overview of Ancient Israel in the Fall 2014 issue. Previous articles, The Staff: More Than a Walking Stick (Spr. 2014) and The Practice of Anointing in Ancient Israel (Spr. 2001), relate to this session and can be purchased at www.lifeway. com/biblicalillustrator. Look for Bundles: Bible Studies for Life. Subscribe to Biblical Illustrator at www.lifeway.com/biblicalillustrator, or call 1-800-458-2772. DO: Invite volunteers to share their responses to the activity, Just Knowing He s Here (PSG, p. 17). SHARING THE GOOD NEWS Walking in the shelter of God s presence begins by having a relationship with Him. It is through faith and trust in Jesus Christ that we can walk with God and be in his presence. Each week, make yourself available either before or after the session to speak privately with anyone in your group who wants to know more about becoming a Christian. See the article, Leading Someone to the Greatest Decision of All, on page 2 for guidance in leading a person to Christ. Remind group members that page 2 in the PSG offers guidance in how to become a Christian. Encourage believers to consider using this article as they have opportunities to lead others to Christ. 21
THE POINT God is with me no matter what I am facing. LIVE IT OUT 5 minutes DO: IN ADVANCE, procure any type of insurance card. Show it to the group. Stress that like insurance we carry today (unseen), God s unseen presence is assured during any storm we face. Emphasize The Point: God is with me no matter what I am facing. GUIDE: Review Live It Out (PSG, p. 18; see text to the right). Invite group members to think about which application speaks most to their needs. Emphasize that God is present with the group right now. Wrap It Up LIVE IT OUT Read Psalm 23 again. Pause for a few moments. What stands out most to you as you reflect on the Scripture? Consider which of the applications below God may be leading you to accomplish this week. > > Identify. Identify at least one challenge you are facing in which you need encouragement to trust that God is with you. Choose one verse or passage from Psalm 23 that gives you the encouragement you need. Read this passage when you get up in the morning and before you go to bed at night. > > Review. Think about one or two situations in your life in which God s presence with you helped bring victory out of turmoil. Share this with your Bible study group as you discuss the comfort of God s presence. > > Share. Write down the name of one person you know who needs to know Jesus. Use Psalm 23 to introduce this person to the idea of God s pursuing presence. Pray daily for this person to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. My mini-stroke and health problems were temporary. After 18 months of treatments, I was back to my normal self. But in all that, I took shelter in the presence of God. In the unexpected moments of life, let God s loving presence be your shelter. SAY: God s great desire for us is that we will live with Him. It is by His presence that we gain a sense of hope and courage. And by His goodness, we will dine at the King s table. Forever. PRAY: Thank God for His comforting presence in our lives no matter what we are facing. 22 Session 1
My Thoughts My Group's Prayer Requests Additional suggestions for specific groups (women, men, boomers, and singles) are available at BibleStudiesForLife.com/blog. And for free online training on how to lead a group visit MinistryGrid.com/web/BibleStudiesForLife. Well-Placed Confidence Every morning, we wake up and are oblivious to what the day holds. We know what the calendar says and what our to-do list requires. Rarely do we think that, in minutes or hours, our world could change with a single word: Cancer. Downsize. Bankrupt. Unfaithful. Betrayal. Those are the kinds of things that wait for us in the coming day. With each one, we re reminded of our own powerlessness. To continue reading Well-Placed Confidence from HomeLife magazine, visit BibleStudiesforLife.com/articles, and enter the article title in the search bar. Or use your smartphone to access the article directly by scanning the QR code. 23