Psalm 23 Preparation Part 1 Ep 60

https://womenrootedintruth.weebly.com/

https://www.blueletterbible.org/

Find Search:  type in Psalm 23 and choose the version you will memorize in

Hit the search green button

Go to “copy options”

Choose how you want it to be printed- I choose reference-verse

Then look at the bottom of that pop up and choose “ select all verses” 

Then find the “copy” button (next to the “copy options”)

Paste into your document such as google doc or microsoft word

Transcript

Welcome Back!  This is Episode 60!  Can you believe we have already memorized 2 Psalms!   If you have just started listening to this podcast, today is the perfect time to join!!  We are going to start preparing to memorize Psalm 23 in the ESV.  If you use another version, you can do that too but just be aware that I read from the ESV.  The movements within these episodes should be easy to follow and adjust if you use another version. 

Did you know that Psalm 23 is one of the most quoted passages of the Bible and it shows up often in movies in moments of reflection and crisis. It is also commonly read at funerals.   Most of you listening have probably even memorized the entire psalm or are at least familiar with it.  I'm embarrassed to say that this is one that I have not memorized. I have heard many sermons, I have also studied it when I went through the psalms during a bible study class, but never really meditated on its truths. That is why I'm so excited to start memorizing this psalm with you! 

Psalm 23 is only a total of 6 verses!  That's it y'all, 6!  Do you remember which Psalm we recently memorized also had 6 verses?  Pause…. you probably guessed Psalm 1 if you have been on here for a while now. That question was pretty easy because we have only memorized 2 psalms so far!  Haha…

As we start this new journey in psalm 23, You can expect 4 separate podcasts that will engage you with 2 verses at a time. Two focus on memorizing a single verse, the third guides you in praying through what you’ve been learning, and the fourth offers a quick, on-the-go review. 

 Before we start today lets pray: Lord, as we start preparing for Psalm 23, I am asking that you prepare our hearts and remove any hindrances that could distract us and let us confess any sin that is brought to our mind today . Help us to align our thoughts with your ways.  Teach us about who You are and do a mighty work in our hearts. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Before we dive into today’s episode, I want to offer a quick option if you’re interested in marking Scripture. I love marking the text myself but I understand there are some who prefer not to write directly in your Bible. I get that, so if that sounds appealing, head over to Blue Letter Bible. You’ll find a link in the show notes along with step-by-step directions to copy, paste, and print the passage. Feel free to pause the podcast, set that up, and then come right back to join us!

Ok so where were we, oh yea open up your bible to psalm 23, get your pen and paper out too .... pause …As I read Psalm 23 out loud, I want you to follow along in your bible.  Be on the lookout for who wrote it and to whom it was written to.  Ill give you about 20 seconds extra after I read it to find out these answers.

Psa 23:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Psa 23:2  He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

Psa 23:3  He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Psa 23:4  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psa 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Psa 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Alright, let's see if we are on the same page, I learned that David wrote the Psalm.  Is that what you wrote down too?  I also know from 1 Samuel 17 that David was a shepherd, tending his father's sheep before he became king. So, it’s no surprise that he deeply understood what it meant to be a shepherd—and he draws from that experience as he pens this, Psalm.   If the Lord is David’s shepherd, then I think it's safe to say that David is one of His sheep. I also think that you too, if you have repented and believed in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, believed that He rose from the dead you and put your faith in him that you too, are a part of his flock. Let me encourage you later to read John 10 where Jesus describes himself as “the Good shepherd.”   

In regard to who it was written to, well, the text does not say it was written to anyone else. It seems to me that this was more of a declaration or reflection about Who God is to David, That the lord is his confidence

Now I want you to read it out loud another time. As you do this, see if you can find the main characters. Ill give you about 1.5 min to read and make notes.

Psa 23:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Psa 23:2  He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

Psa 23:3  He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Psa 23:4  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psa 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Psa 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Ok, this may have been an easy give away because of what we learned just a bit ago, but there is no harm in reading it again.  I wrote down that the main characters are the Lord and David. Is that what you found as well? 

Today we read the Psalm 23 two times, identified who wrote the Psalm and identified the main characters. Tomorrow, when I do not drop a podcast, you can continue to read the psalm out loud or even listen to it using an audio bible.  You could also record yourself using the Voice Memo app if you have an iPhone.   In the next episode we are going make a list about what we learn about The Lord and David    

Hey, if you've been enjoying these episodes, subscribing or dropping a quick rating would mean a lot. It's a simple way to keep the podcast growing! I would be so thankful if you could!  See ya then!  Stay rooted and grounded!