Psalm 23 for Your Marriage: Finding Refreshment and Guidance
Introduction
- Welcome back to Love How Deep.
- Introduction of the topic: How Psalm 23 can positively benefit marriage.
- Heather's love for and the refreshing nature of Psalm 23.
Verse 1: The Lord is My Shepherd; I Shall Not Want
- Brian introduces the "Shepherd's Psalm."
- The comforting and soul-restoring nature of the passage.
- Sheep knowing the shepherd's voice and listening for God's guidance in marriage.
- "I shall not want" - lacking nothing in God's care.
- Needs vs. wants and trusting God's provision for your marriage.
- Examining intentions behind desires in the context of marriage.
Verse 2: He Makes Me Lie Down in Green Pastures; He Leads Me Beside Quiet Waters
- The idea of God "making" us rest – not forceful, but knowing what's best.
- Finding rest and refreshment together as a couple.
- The peaceful imagery of quiet waters and God's presence amidst chaos.
- Connecting with God's beauty for refreshment (Shenandoah example).
- Simple acts of finding peace together (neighborhood walks).
Verse 3: He Restores My Soul; He Leads Me in Paths of Righteousness for His Name's Sake
- Continuing the theme of refreshment for the soul.
- God guiding along the right path, allowing free will but offering direction.
- God as the roadmap for making the best decisions in life and marriage.
- The concept of God ordering our steps.
Verse 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
- Facing trials and difficulties in marriage.
- God's promise to be with us – Emmanuel, God with us.
- Times of feeling distant from God and trusting His constant presence.
- Understanding the comfort of the rod and staff:
- Boundaries for protection and training (children analogy).
- Consequences as a form of protection.
- The freeway guardrail analogy.
- Deeper explanation of the staff: Gentle guidance and the crook for rescue.
- Deeper explanation of the rod: Warding off enemies and providing consequences.
Verse 5: You Prepare a Table Before Me in the Presence of My Enemies; You Anoint My Head with Oil; My Cup Overflows
- God preparing a table – provision and sustenance in the face of challenges.
- A table as a form of protection and a symbol of celebration.
- Marriage as an oasis and a place of refuge.
- Anointing with oil: Representing the Holy Spirit, refreshing, healing, and covering.
- The desire for home to be a place of rest and refreshment for both spouses.
Verse 6: Surely Goodness and Mercy Shall Follow Me All the Days of My Life, and I Will Dwell in the House of the Lord Forever
- God's promise to stay with us forever.
- The desire for lasting commitment in marriage.
- A declaration of knowing God is with you and choosing to be with Him.
- The parallel between the beginning and end: The Lord as our shepherd always.
Conclusion
- Hope that Psalm 23 brings refreshment to marriages.
- Encouragement to read and discuss this passage together during difficult times.
- Seeking ways to apply the principles of Psalm 23 for a stronger marriage.
- Finding refreshment and a new pathway with the Lord at the center.
Call to Action (33:00-35:00)
- Reminder of the online forgiveness course at lovehowdeep.com/forgiveness with a special code - fg19 to get the course for $19
- Closing remarks and farewell.
