Goodness and Mercy| Week 1 | Lead Pastor Paul Mints | 6/8/25

Psalm 23, famously known as 'the pearl of all the psalms,' contains profound truths about God's character and His relationship with His followers. Though likely the most familiar passage in the Bible, its depth is often missed. Importantly, this psalm isn't universal—it's the exclusive testimony of those with a personal relationship with God.Contrary to popular belief, David probably wrote this psalm not during peaceful shepherd days but amid severe trials—either while fleeing King Saul or during his son Absalom's rebellion. This context reveals that David's declarations came from a faith tested by hardship. When he states 'The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want,' he's affirming that with God as his shepherd, he lacks nothing essential. Need doesn't lead when you walk with the one who owns everything. The psalm continues to describe how the shepherd provides rest, restoration, and guidance through dangerous valleys. Like vulnerable sheep who need constant protection and direction, we need the Good Shepherd to lead us away from danger and toward nourishment.The central question this psalm poses is whether the Lord is truly our shepherd—not just if we believe in Him, but if we follow Him daily, allowing Him to lead, correct, and restore us. The promises of Psalm 23 are available to anyone willing to trust the Shepherd, whether for the first time or after wandering away. When we make the Lord our shepherd, we can face life's valleys confident that we lack nothing essential, because the One who owns everything walks beside us.