Daily Study · Bible Study

The Shepherd in the Valley

Where Psalm 23 changes how it speaks to God

Today's Focus

David begins with a claim he can measure: the Lord is his , so he lacks nothing. The psalm then walks through green pastures, a valley of deep darkness and a table set in front of enemies, and the opening claim is never withdrawn along the way.

Today's Steps

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Remember Today

The Lord is my shepherd, and I shall not want.
Psalm 23:1
He is with his people in the darkest valley.
Psalm 23:4
Goodness and mercy follow all the days of life.
Psalm 23:6

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Questions this reading raises

Who is God?
God is the one living Creator who made everything and depends on nothing, and Scripture answers this question mainly by telling us his character rather than by defining his substance. When God described himself to Moses he said he is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abundant in loving kindness and truth, and yet will by no means clear the guilty. The New Testament adds that this God is finally known in Jesus Christ, who has made him known.
Who wrote the Bible?
The Bible was written by many human authors over a long period, and Scripture presents itself as God-breathed rather than as human opinion. Some books name their writer, some do not, and honest study says which is which. Paul calls every Scripture God-breathed, and Peter says no prophecy came by the will of man but that people spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, which is the Bible's own account of how both authors are involved at once.
Can the Bible be trusted?
Scripture claims to be true and invites examination rather than avoiding it. It says God's word is truth and that it stands when everything else fades, and the New Testament writers appeal to eyewitnesses, named places and public events rather than to private experience. Trust in Scripture is finally trust in the God who speaks in it, and the clearest reason a Christian gives for that trust is that Jesus treated these writings as God's own word.
Who is the Holy Spirit?
Scripture speaks of the Holy Spirit as a person rather than a force. Jesus calls him another Counselor whom the Father sends, and says he teaches, reminds, guides, convicts and speaks. Peter calls lying to the Holy Spirit lying to God. He is the one who gives new birth, dwells in believers, produces Christlike character, and always points to Christ rather than to himself.

Browse every Bible question

Today's Focus

Today's Steps

Remember Today

Take this study with you

Questions this reading raises

Who is God?

Who wrote the Bible?

Can the Bible be trusted?

Who is the Holy Spirit?

From Audela Wear