PSALM 23 | PAUL DAUGHERTY | PSALMS OF DAVID PT. 7

Main message: The sermon reads Psalm 23 in the context of David’s life, arguing that God is the faithful Shepherd who leads, stays with, protects, provides for, restores, and ultimately brings us home—so we can trust him through sin, loss, and valleys and leave a legacy of faith.

Key points:

• David’s backstory (anointed young, victory over Goliath, fugitive from Saul, king, serious sin and repentance in Psalm 51, family betrayal by Absalom) frames Psalm 23 as written from a place of crisis and trust.
• Five functions of the Shepherd: he leads (with purpose and peace), stays with us, protects (rod and staff), provides (table before enemies, anointing, overflowing cup), and brings us home (restoration and legacy).
• Trust and contentment flow from God’s presence: “I shall not want” comes from knowing the Shepherd, not from circumstances or possessions.
• Rest is part of restoration: being “made to lie down in green pastures” can be God’s way of healing and refocusing us.
• Even in the “valley of the shadow of death” we need not fear because God is with us; God’s goodness and mercy follow us and shape a lasting legacy.

Scriptures mentioned: Psalm 23, Psalm 51, Philippians 4 (Phil. 4:13), Psalm 30:5, Psalm 46:10, James 4:6