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 $19Closing remarks and farewell.
