Next to John 3:16, Psalm 23 is the best-known, most loved passage of scripture in the Bible. Though often read at funerals, Psalm 23 is not a psalm about death, it is a psalm about life!

Perhaps Psalm 23 is so loved because we sense our own need for a shepherd. Life is not an easy journey. Life is unpredictable and fragile. Deep down we are convinced we need someone to guide our lifepath. The good news is there is One capable of shepherding you through life.

In this series, you'll discover six everyday essentials from Psalm 23 and learn how each can radically impact your lifepath every day.

Psalm 23:1

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want"

The first everyday essential is a faith in something that is big enough for life. You need a shepherd capable of meeting every lack. Only the Lord has proved able to do that. When God is your shepherd, you do not lack anything you need.

A personal relationship with God is everyone's primary need.

Psalm 23:2

"He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters."

The second everyday essential is a peace that is unaffected by the circumstances of life. Many people are looking for peace but can’t seem to find it. Sheep are prone to fear and panic. They are nervous by nature and so are we! God is ready to help you lie down in green pastures and lead you beside still waters.

Peace is God's presence in your life. Know God, know peace. No God, no peace.

Psalm 23:3

"He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake."

The third everyday essential is guidance because every day we move in some direction in life. Sheep easily wander off and get lost, and so do we! There are many wrong paths out there. There are many ways to damage your life and the lives of the people you love. Sheep need a shepherd to lead and guide them, and so do we!

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who will show you the right way to go in life.

Psalm 23:4 

"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."

The fourth everyday essential is a hope in something certain, especially when passing through life's darkest valleys. No matter how strong we may feel one day, we can feel just as lost and scared the next. The hardest part of tough times is not to lose hope.

In part four, you will discover how you can have hope even when you are going through something that seems so hopeless.

Psalm 23:5

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over."

The fifth everyday essential is gratitude. Sheep have needs, so do we. A good shepherd lovingly cares for his sheep providing all their needs, so does the Lord for His sheep.

Why live with gratitude every day?

1—I am blessed with what I need ("you prepare a table before me")

2—I am blessed in the midst of my battles ("in the presence of my enemies")

3—I am blessed in spite of my wounds ("you anoint my head with oil")

4—I am blessed far beyond what I need ("my cups runs over")

Psalm 23:6 

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

The sixth everyday essential is a bright anticipation for the future no matter how uncertain the future may seem. If you have the right shepherd, you have a bright future—when the Lord is your shepherd you can anticipate living in God's goodness for now, and His glory forever!