Episode 209: Safe in His Arms — Finding Rest in Psalm 23

Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known and well-loved passages in all of Scripture—but have you ever really stopped to dig into what it means? Today Dot and Cara reflect on the richness of this psalm, unpacking the imagery of the Good Shepherd. They discuss the comfort and trust we can find in God's provision, the way He leads, protects, and restores us, and why truly believing He has your back changes everything. So grab your Bible and your journal and explore Psalm 23 together!

Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! 

Episode recap:

• Start by writing down Psalm 23 (0:12)
• This is one of the most well-known passages of Scripture (3:52)
• Throughout the OT, we see God calling leaders to shepherd His people (9:40)
• God has given us all we need (12:33)
• Sheep only lay down when they feel safe and fully trust their shepherd (18:46)
• Why are the rod and the staff objects of comfort? (20:36)
• There’s a difference between discipline and punishment (24:20)
• A shepherd knows what dangers are around us and what lies ahead (27:30)
• God goes before, beside, and behind us (29:20)
• The heart of God is for us (33:55)
• Most people don’t think they have a Good Shepherd (36:12)
• We don’t have be worried or afraid because we have a God who cares (39:01)

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Scripture Verse:  Psalm 23 (NKJV):
The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.

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

Yea, 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.

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

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

What is Write this Down! with Dot Bowen?

Bible teacher, author and founder of Cup of Joy Ministries, Dot Bowen, teaches listeners what it truly looks like to know, love and follow Jesus. Each week, Dot invites you to sit down with her and her daughter, Cara, to have an authentic conversation about Biblical Scripture and God’s Truth. Their honest and thought provoking conversations are full of wit and wisdom which will have you diving deeper into God’s Word.

Whether Dot is teaching, speaking or simply grabbing coffee with a dear friend, she can often be heard saying with excitement, “Write this Down!” Her heart for the listener is to take the things she asks you to write down before the Lord and ask Him to open your eyes to His Truth and love. John 8:32 says, “and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free.”

By the end of each episode, you’ll find yourself grabbing a pencil so that you can Write this Down! with Dot Bowen.