82: Psalm 23 for Your Marriage: Finding Refreshment and Guidance

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