Psalm 23 speaks to the Lord God’s relationship and care for us, His sheep. Recently I heard a good sermon on Psalm 23 and imagined how this could apply to marriage.

The psalmist speaks to personal needs that only God can meet. In God’s good design, He has given the gift of marriage to help meet our needs while we live on earth and make our way in a broken world.

Verse one of the psalm describes a condition of satisfaction. “I shall not want.” Have you ever felt so satisfied in your marriage that you experience contentment? Are you fully aware of what you want or long for in your marriage? What does your spouse want? Do these wants line up with biblical principles or fleshly desires?

Verse two describes a condition of rest and peace in which God “makes” and “leads.” It is not optional. God’s wisdom knows we need this. Does your marriage provide rest and peace from a world that is demanding, unforgiving, and destructive? How can you bring rest and peace into your relationship?

Verse three attends to our brokenness. Often we see clearly the brokenness in our spouse, but fail to see our own condition of brokenness. Perhaps the marriage is broken. God’s restoration is not surface, but penetrates deep.

Verse four reflects on dark and scary times in life. Are you walking through those times together looking to the Good Shepherd for guidance; humbling yourself to the Spirit’s discipline, correction and teaching; acknowledging personal errors and offenses; seeking forgiveness; offering authentic apology; and committing to a process of transformation by the Spirit into the spouse God intends for you?

Verse five reminds us that even in the presence of hostile situations and a hostile culture, God gives out of abundance. How ready are you both to receive that blessing?

Verse six reminds us that God’s goodness is directed toward us, but a righteous God will not wait forever to address our sin. What sin continues in your marriage that must be eliminated? How can you begin to apply Psalm 23 to your marriage?