The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want . . .

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want . . .

So begins one of the most well-known passages in the Bible, Psalm 23.  Its picture of green pastures, still waters, right paths, comfort, blessing, goodness and mercy has made it a most appealing description of life. 

Yet if David, the shepherd boy who became the warrior king of Israel, is the author, it is surprising that it was ever written.  For years he had to live on the run because there was no safe place for him.  His life was always at risk.    Even when he eventually became king and established the greatest days of Israel, he knew great trouble. At one point he had to flee Jerusalem in disgrace as his son, Absalom, was leading a rebellion.

Many of his other Psalms describe his anguish as he endured various crises.

How was it possible to experience the care of God in real life?

This Sunday at the Gathering Church we will look at this familiar Psalm.  What makes God’s care real?  How does God’s leadership actually provide the realities described in Psalm 23?