Trusting His Pace
Pastor Ben Johnson - June 14, 2026
Psalms 23:1-2 (NIV) - The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures…
The Shepherd’s PACE is the pathway to the Shepherd’s PROVISION.
Matthew 11:28-29 (Message) - “Are you tired? Worn out? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.
I have all the time, talent, and resources to do all
God wants me to do and to enjoy all He has for me.
Why do we say “YES” to more?
We want to be LIKED and VALUED!
COMMITTING TO CHANGE REQUIRES…
1. Say “YES” to ENCOUNTERING God’s PRESENCE.
Matthew 6:33 (NIV) - But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
2. Say “YES” to EMBRACING God’s PACE.
Psalm 46:10 (NLT) - “Be still, and know that I am God!”
3. Say “YES” to EXPERIENCING God’s POWER.
Isaiah 40:30-31a (NLT) - Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
John 15:5 (NLT) - “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”
ONE LAST THOUGHT
The Shepherd doesn’t MAKE us lie down in green pastures because He wants LESS from us. He leads us there because He wants MORE for us.
Life Group Discussion & Questions
BREAKING THE ICE: If you unexpectedly had an entire day with no responsibilities, appointments, or obligations, how would you spend it?
DIGGING IN: Read Psalms 23:1-6 together.
1. When you hear the phrase, “The Shepherd’s pace is the pathway to the Shepherd’s provision,” what stands out to you? Why do you think our culture struggles with slowing down? How can hurry make it harder to recognize God’s presence and provision?
2. Why do you think sheep sometimes need to be made to rest? Have you ever experienced a season where God used circumstances to slow you down? What is usually your biggest obstacle to rest?
3. Why is waiting on God so difficult? What happens when we force things instead of following His leading? Can you share a time when God’s timing proved better than your own?
4. Many times we hurry because we’re afraid we’ll miss an opportunity, fall behind, lose control, or not have enough. What does resting in God’s provision practically look like in your current season?
BRINGING IT HOME: The Shepherd’s pace isn’t designed to hold us back, it’s designed to position us for His presence, peace, and provision.
Before wrapping up, take a few moments to share prayer requests with one another. Pray specifically that God would help each person trust His timing, embrace His pace, and experience His provision in every area of life. Lift up one another’s families, responsibilities, and burdens, asking the Good Shepherd to lead, restore, and refresh each heart in the days ahead.