“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
Psalm 23:4 (KJV)
Before you start
Psalm 23 is a song traditionally attributed to David, who was a shepherd before he was king. It pictures God as a shepherd who leads, provides, restores and stays close, even in the darkest valley.
Read Psalm 23 aloud from any translation. Invite volunteers to read; never put anyone on the spot.
Icebreaker · 5 minutes
What is one thing that calms you down when you're stressed?
Observe · what does it say?
- List everything the shepherd does in this psalm.
- Where does the psalm change from talking about God to talking to God?
- What is promised at the end?
Interpret · what did it mean?
- The psalm doesn't promise there will be no valley. What does it promise instead?
- Why might a shepherd be a good picture of God for anxious people?
Apply · what does it ask of us?
- Which line do you most need this week?
- How can you be a calm presence for someone in a valley?
A care note for the leader
Faith and counseling go together. If anxiety is getting in the way of eating, sleeping or going to class, encourage a visit to campus counseling.
On your campus
Before finals, read Psalm 23 slowly together, pausing after each verse. Offer index cards to write one line to carry into exams.
Closing prayer
Shepherd, lead us beside still waters. In the valleys of this semester, be with us, and help us be with each other. Amen.
Take home
Read Psalm 23 before bed each night this week.
What is shared in this study stays in the room. If anyone is in crisis, call or text 988; in immediate danger, call 911.