Seminary
Lesson 102: Psalm 23—“The Lord Is My Shepherd”
a lamb drinking water from the cupped hands of Jesus Christ

Psalms 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; 46: Lesson 102

Psalm 23

“The Lord Is My Shepherd”

Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.

Do you want to improve your scripture study? Try visualizing. Taking time to visualize descriptions in the scriptures can bring greater power to the words we read. In Psalm 23, King David described his relationship with Jesus Christ through a series of passages that depict the Savior’s love and care. This lesson can help you feel the tender, loving character of Christ through visualizing scriptural images.

Study the Scriptures

Take a good look at the following images. What thoughts or feelings come to mind when you think of light or a rock?

Mount Fuji
Ayers Rock in the Australian Outback

Visualizing is a study skill that creates a mental picture from descriptive details in the scriptures. We can close our eyes and imagine being present at events. We can pause and picture phrases such as “The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness,” (Psalm 18:28) and “Who is a rock save our God?” (Psalm 18:31). As you slow down to ponder what you learn from the images you visualize, you invite the Holy Ghost to help you understand with your mind and heart.

Reflect on the following questions:

  • How often do you slow down to visualize what you are studying in the scriptures?

  • How do you think slowing down to visualize what you read can help you come to know the Savior better?

Pay attention to the promptings of the Holy Ghost to help you learn about Jesus Christ as you visualize the descriptions in Psalm 23 today.

mark iconRead Psalm 23:1. Mark the image used to describe Jesus Christ.

link iconTo learn more about the Savior, choose one of the following resources and imagine Him as a Shepherd taking care of His sheep. You may want to link these passages to Psalm 23:1.

note iconIn a note next Psalm 23:1, respond to one or both of the following questions:

  • What is something you learned about Jesus Christ from visualizing Him as your Shepherd?

  • How has Jesus Christ been a shepherd in your life or the lives of those around you?

Review the following study options. Complete one or more. Then complete the “Now What?” section at the end of the lesson.

Option A

How can visualizing help me come to know Jesus Christ?

notebook iconRead Psalm 23:2–6, and choose one verse you want to focus on for the rest of this activity. Follow the listed steps, recording what you learn in your notebook:

  1. Visualize the imagery King David used in your verse to describe a characteristic of Jesus Christ or something He does for us. Draw a picture of what you’re visualizing, or find a digital image that could represent what you picture in your mind.

  2. Write at least one statement of truth in your notebook about the Savior that you learn from visualizing David’s description. Some examples include: The Lord helps us walk in righteous paths (verse 3) or the Lord will nourish us, even during difficult situations (verse 5).

  3. Personalize what you learned by pondering why it matters to you or how it can strengthen your relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Option B

How can I use visualization to help others?

President Russell M. Nelson taught the following about how we can serve others:

President Russell M. Nelson

The Good Shepherd lovingly cares for all sheep of His fold, and we are His true undershepherds. Our privilege is to bear His love and to add our own love to friends and neighbors—feeding, tending, and nurturing them—as the Savior would have us do. (“Shepherds, Lambs, and Home Teachers,” Ensign or Liahona, Aug. 1994, 19)

Read Psalm 23:1–6. As you do, think about someone you know who is experiencing something difficult in their life.

share iconAfter studying, share something you learned about the Savior by writing an encouraging text or a note to this person.

Now What?

Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained:

15:19
Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Brothers and sisters, our Good Shepherd calls us in His voice and in His name. He seeks, gathers, and comes to His people. Through His living prophet and each of us, He invites all to find peace, purpose, healing, and joy in the fulness of His restored gospel and on His covenant path. By example, He teaches the shepherds of Israel to minister in His love. (“Good Shepherd, Lamb of God,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 100)

notebook iconRespond to the one of the following questions in your notebook:

  • What did you learn about Jesus Christ that you might have missed if you hadn’t slowed down to visualize the imagery in Psalm 23?

  • What images did you visualize that helped you see the tender, loving character of Jesus Christ? Why?

Share Your Thoughts

Lesson Purpose: To help you feel the tender, loving character of Christ through visualizing scriptural images.

share iconShare one or more of the following with your teacher or class:

  • The verse, drawing, and statement of truth that help you learn more about the Savior.

  • Your response to one of the questions in the “Now What?” section.

  • Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.

  • Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?