What if the God who spoke galaxies into being is also the One who leads you beside still waters? In this session, we follow that thread from the burning bush to Psalm 23, tracing how Yahweh—the I AM—reveals Himself as our Shepherd: powerful enough to part seas, yet tender enough to calm skittish hearts. Along the way, we also explore why some translations use “Jehovah” while others use “Yahweh,” and how both reveal the same self-existent, covenant-keeping God who makes Himself known not only in grandeur but in gentle guidance.

We linger with David’s poetry and let the imagery reshape how we think about God’s care. Green pastures are not symbols of ease but of recovery—places God intentionally leads us to restore what’s weary. Still waters are not random pools but crafted spaces of safety where anxious hearts can finally rest. The valley of the shadow of death does not signal God’s absence; it declares that His nearness becomes most precious in the dark. Even the rod and staff—so often misunderstood—are not instruments of punishment but tools of protection and rescue: the rod defending against what stalks us, the staff pulling us back when we’ve wandered too far.

We unpack the richness of anointing as an act of welcome, consecration, and healing—evidence that God’s hospitality extends even into hardship. The image of the overflowing cup reminds us that grace is not rationed in scarcity but poured out in abundance by a generous King who delights to fill every empty place.

As the psalm unfolds, we see how it ultimately points to Jesus—the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep and fulfills God’s covenant promise: “I am with you always.” That assurance transforms worry into worship, reorders our steps when we stray, and anchors our hope in a future where goodness and mercy will pursue us all the days of our lives.

This teaching invites you to exchange a brittle, distant view of God for a living picture of His nearness and care. He is both Yahweh—the eternal “I AM”—and Rohi, the Shepherd who knows your name, guards your path, and restores your soul.

If you’ve ever felt like faith has grown thin, or wondered if God’s attention has turned elsewhere, this session will steady your heart. The Almighty who names every star is the same Lord who walks beside you through every valley and leads you home at last. Come ready to rest, to listen, and to rediscover the Shepherd whose voice still calls His people by name.

We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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