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FAIR Resources for Come, Follow Me – Restoration Scripture
Week 34: August 17 - 23: "The Lord Is My Shepherd"

Psalms 1-2; 8; 19-33; 40; 46

Shepherd guiding sheep across a peaceful field, representing God’s guidance
Doctrinal Focus
Historical & Contextual
Apologetic Application
Practical Applications
Ideas for Teaching
Quick Reference

Doctrinal Focus

  • Key doctrines addressed in this week’s reading

Psalm 23 teaches that the Lord leads us beside still waters and restores our souls, showing His personal care and direction in our lives (Psalm 23:1–3). Even in difficult moments, His guidance is constant, helping us stay on the covenant path and find peace despite uncertainty.

Psalm 1 compares the righteous to a tree planted by rivers of water, emphasizing that those who delight in God’s law will flourish (Psalm 1:1–3). This imagery teaches that consistent devotion to the Lord anchors us, allowing us to endure trials without being spiritually uprooted.

Psalm 24 teaches that those with “clean hands and a pure heart” can stand in the Lord’s presence (Psalm 24:3–4). This standard points to integrity and genuine devotion rather than flawlessness, aligning with the principle that God honors honest striving and repentance.

Psalm 40 highlights turning to the Lord in humility and being lifted from spiritual difficulty (Psalm 40:1–3). The teaching that “worthiness is not flawlessness” reinforces that God’s grace works through our efforts to change, not our ability to be perfect immediately.

Psalm 46 declares that the Lord is “a very present help in trouble,” assuring us that we need not fear even when the world feels unstable (Psalm 46:1–3). This doctrine emphasizes reliance on divine power rather than worldly security.

The command to “be still, and know that I am God” teaches that spiritual peace comes as we pause, trust, and acknowledge the Lord’s sovereignty (Psalm 46:10). In a noisy and chaotic world, intentional stillness helps us feel His presence and reassurance.

Historical & Contextual Insights

  • Insights in this week’s study
  • The book of Psalms is a collection of sacred hymns and prayers written primarily during the time of ancient Israel’s monarchy, especially under King David (around 1000 BC), though some psalms come from later periods.

Many of these psalms were written during times of personal trial, national conflict, worship in the temple, or reflection on God’s law and covenant relationship with Israel. They were used in both private devotion and public worship, helping the Israelites express praise, sorrow, repentance, and trust in the Lord.

  • Understanding that these psalms were often written in moments of real struggle—war, sin, fear, and uncertainty—helps us see their authenticity and emotional depth. They are not abstract theology but lived experiences of relying on God.
  • These writings show that turning to God in every circumstance—whether joyful or painful—is a timeless pattern. Just as ancient Israel found strength through worship and trust, we can use these same words to guide our own prayers and relationship with the Lord today.
  • Throughout the Psalms, blessings such as protection, guidance, and peace are frequently tied to faithfulness to God’s commandments. This reflects the covenant framework established earlier in Israel’s history, where obedience brought spiritual security and closeness with God.
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  • For example, Psalm 1 contrasts the righteous and the wicked, showing that those who delight in the law of the Lord are blessed and spiritually stable. This is not simply poetic imagery but a reaffirmation of covenant promises tied to obedience and devotion.
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  • This covenant lens helps us understand that references to prosperity or protection are not merely physical guarantees but expressions of spiritual alignment with God. Today, this teaches us that true stability comes from living in harmony with divine principles.
  • Rather than presenting doctrine in a straightforward, instructional format, the Psalms rely heavily on imagery—such as shepherds, rivers, mountains, and refuge—to communicate truths about God’s nature and His relationship with His children.
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  • For instance, describing the Lord as a shepherd (Psalm 23) conveys guidance, protection, and personal care in a way that resonates emotionally and spiritually. This metaphor would have been especially meaningful in an agrarian society familiar with shepherding.
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  • Recognizing this poetic style prevents us from interpreting every phrase literally and instead invites us to seek the underlying spiritual message. For modern readers, these images make eternal truths more relatable and memorable, helping us internalize doctrine on a deeper level.

If you have questions on this week’s reading, please email your questions to us here.

Apologetic Application

  1. Claim: “People believe in God only because it helps them cope with hardship.”
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  3. Response:
  4. Historical Evidence: The Psalms were written across centuries in ancient Israel during real historical crises—war, exile, sin, and national instability. These writings (e.g., Psalm 46; Psalm 40) show individuals turning to God not in ease, but in the midst of documented hardship, suggesting faith was rooted in lived experience rather than convenience.
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  6. Eyewitness Support: Many psalms are attributed to King David and other leaders who recorded personal deliverance and divine help. Their testimonies reflect firsthand experiences of guidance, protection, and forgiveness rather than abstract philosophy.
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  8. Spiritual Confirmation: Readers across generations report feeling peace, reassurance, and divine connection when engaging with these psalms. This consistent spiritual witness aligns with the promise that God can be known personally.
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  10. Logical Analysis: If faith were merely escapism, it would likely avoid confronting pain—but the Psalms openly wrestle with fear, doubt, and suffering. This honesty suggests faith is not denial of reality, but a framework for understanding and enduring it.
  • Claim: “The God of the Old Testament is unpredictable and contradictory.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: The Psalms reflect a covenant-based relationship where blessings and protection are tied to faithfulness (Psalm 1; Psalm 24). This consistency shows a structured pattern rather than randomness in how God interacts with His people.
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  • Eyewitness Support: Psalmists repeatedly testify of God’s mercy, patience, and willingness to forgive (Psalm 40:1–3). These recurring experiences across different authors reinforce a consistent divine character.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: Individuals who sincerely seek to follow God often experience both correction and comfort, which align with the dual themes of justice and mercy found in the Psalms. This balance reflects a loving parent rather than an erratic force.
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  • Logical Analysis: A God who is both just and merciful is not contradictory but complete. Justice without mercy would be cruel, and mercy without justice would lack moral structure—together they form a coherent and necessary whole.
  • Claim: “God expects perfection, which makes religion discouraging and unattainable.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: Psalm 24 emphasizes purity of heart, but other psalms (like Psalm 40) show individuals crying out for help and being lifted despite imperfection. This demonstrates that ancient worship included repentance and growth, not flawless performance.
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  • Eyewitness Support: The writers of the Psalms openly acknowledge their weaknesses and dependence on God’s mercy. Their inclusion in scripture shows that imperfect people were still accepted and used by God.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: Modern teachings (such as “worthiness is not flawlessness”) affirm that sincere effort and repentance invite God’s grace. Many believers experience forgiveness and transformation rather than condemnation.
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  • Logical Analysis: If God required instant perfection, growth would be impossible. A standard that invites progress, supported by divine help, is both realistic and consistent with a loving, developmental relationship.

Practical Applications

Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:

Action Step: Begin each day by asking God for direction in your decisions.

Psalms like Psalm 23 teach that the Lord actively leads and restores us. When we intentionally seek His guidance, we become more aware of His influence and make choices with greater clarity and peace.

  1. – Start your morning with a simple prayer asking for guidance.
  2. – Identify one decision or concern for the day.
  3. – Study a short scripture (e.g., Psalm 23:1–3).
  4. – Act on promptings or impressions you receive.
  5. – Reflect at night on how the Lord guided you.

Encouraging Thought:

The Lord doesn’t just point the way—He walks it with you. As you seek Him, guidance becomes a daily experience, not a rare event.

Action Step: Practice daily repentance by honestly evaluating your thoughts and actions.

Psalm 24 teaches that “clean hands and a pure heart” qualify us to stand before God, while other psalms show that growth comes through humility and turning to Him. Focusing on sincerity rather than flawlessness reduces discouragement and invites consistent spiritual progress.

  1. – Set aside quiet time each evening.
  2. – Ask yourself what went well and what needs improvement.
  3. – Pray for forgiveness and strength to change.
  4. – Make one small, specific adjustment for tomorrow.
  5. – Remember that progress matters more than perfection.

Encouraging Thought:

God is not waiting for you to be flawless—He is inviting you to be honest and willing. A pure heart begins with sincere intent.

  • Action Step: Pause and pray when you feel overwhelmed instead of reacting immediately.

Psalm 46 teaches that God is “a very present help in trouble” and invites us to “be still.” Choosing to pause creates space for peace and perspective, allowing God to calm our fears and strengthen us.

  1. – Notice when you feel anxious or overwhelmed.
  2. – Stop and take a few deep breaths.
  3. – Say a short prayer (even silently).
  4. – Remind yourself of a truth (e.g., “God is my refuge”).
  5. – Move forward with greater calm and trust.

Encouraging Thought:

  • Stillness is not weakness—it is a way of making room for God’s strength. When you pause, you allow Him to step in.

Ideas for Teaching

Objective: Help learners recognize how the Lord guides them personally.

Blindfold (optional), simple obstacle course items (chairs, books), scriptures (Psalm 23).

Activity Steps:

  1. Introduction (5 min): Invite a volunteer to be blindfolded and guided through a simple obstacle course using only your voice. Afterward, ask how it felt to rely on someone else for direction.
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  3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read and discuss Psalm 23:1–3. Talk about what it means for the Lord to “lead” and “restore” us, and how His guidance may come in quiet, personal ways.
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  5. Application (5 min): Ask learners to identify one area where they need guidance this week and invite them to seek the Lord’s direction through prayer and scripture study.

Follow-Up Question: When have you felt the Lord guiding you, even if it wasn’t obvious at first?

Objective: Teach that worthiness is about sincerity and repentance, not perfection.

Bowl of water, dirt or washable marker, towel, scriptures (Psalm 24:3–4).

Activity Steps:

Introduction (5 min): Put dirt or marker on your hands and ask if they are “clean.” Then wash them in the bowl of water, showing how they can be made clean again.

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Psalm 24:3–4 and discuss what “clean hands and a pure heart” mean spiritually. Emphasize that we become clean through repentance and Christ’s help.

Application (5 min): Invite learners to quietly reflect on something they want to improve and consider one step they can take to become spiritually “cleaner” this week.

Follow-Up Question: How does understanding that “worthiness is not flawlessness” change the way you see repentance?

Objective: Help learners experience the peace that comes from trusting God.

Timer, paper, pen, scriptures (Psalm 46:1, 10).

Activity Steps: 

Introduction (5 min): Ask learners to write down things that cause them stress or worry. Then briefly discuss how fast-paced and noisy life can feel.

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Psalm 46:1 and 46:10. Discuss what it means to “be still” and how God can be a refuge in stressful moments.

Application (5 min): Invite everyone to sit in silence for one minute, focusing on a simple prayer or phrase like “God is my refuge.” Encourage them to use this practice during the week.

Follow-Up Question: What helps you feel God’s peace when life feels overwhelming?

QUICK REFERENCE

  • The Lord lovingly guides His people like a shepherd (Psalm 23:1–3).
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  • Those who delight in God’s word are spiritually grounded and resilient (Psalm 1:1–3).
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  • God’s creations testify of His power and glory (Psalm 19:1).
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  • True worthiness is having “clean hands and a pure heart” (Psalm 24:3–4).
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  • The Lord is a refuge and strength in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).
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  • Stillness and trust help us recognize God’s presence (Psalm 46:10).
  • Why trust modern prophets?
  • God has always spoken through prophets, as seen throughout the Psalms where individuals testify of divine guidance, deliverance, and truth. Just as ancient Israel relied on inspired leaders and personal revelation, modern prophets continue this pattern—inviting us to seek confirmation through scripture, the Spirit, and personal experience.
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  • Why does God allow mistakes?
  • The Psalms repeatedly show faithful individuals struggling, repenting, and growing (see Psalm 40). This teaches that God works through imperfect people to accomplish His purposes. Mistakes are part of mortal learning, and God’s grace allows progress rather than requiring immediate perfection.