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.