The Israelites are free from Egypt and they are on their way to the promised land. God has done miracle after miracle to lead, protect, and provide for His people. But just days into the journey, the Israelites are full of complaints towards Moses and ingratitude towards the Lord. 

Moses has to be frustrated, but God loves, cares for, and provides for Moses too. Moses is able to do something incredible. Over and over again, Moses is permitted to be in God’s presence and to speak to Him directly! When Moses gives directions to the Israelites, he gives them the directions that God gave to him and God makes sure the Israelites know this–

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Psalm 23:1-6 | The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord  forever.

• Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd and His followers sheep. 

• Are you one of His sheep? How do you know? 

• How does a shepherd care for sheep (which are very helpless creatures on their own)? 

• According to Psalm 23, how does our Shepherd care for us? [Can you find all 13 ways?]

• Which of these blessings stand out to you? Why? 

• Which of these blessings have you already experienced? How? 

• Can you think of any other blessings or ways God cares for us that are covered in other scriptures, but not here in Psalm 23? If so, which ones? 

• Why does God go to such great lengths to care for and bless His sheep? 

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Isaiah 46:3-4 | “Listen to me, descendants of Jacob, all you who remain in Israel. I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.”

• What promises does God make to His followers in this passage? 

• What worries do you have about your future? 

• How do God’s promises in today’s verses apply to your worries? 

• Can you trust God to take care of the things that burden or worry you? Why or why not? 

• God has your whole life in mind – not just today. Because of this, God is the best guide for your today. 

• How can you look to Him for direction and guidance for today? 

• How can you remind yourself that His instructions today are guiding you to His perfect plan for your tomorrows? 

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1st Peter 5:7 | Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

• What are some things you worry about often? Why? 

• What does God tell us to do with our worries? Why do you think this is? 

• What does giving God your worries look like? Once they’re handed over to Him, what should change for you? 

• Spend some time praying over the things that you’re worried about right now. When you’re done, choose to trust God with your worries!

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Philippians 4:19-20 | And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.

• Do any of your needs ever feel too big for God to take care of? If so, which ones? 

• According to Philippians 4, God takes care of all our needs from his glorious riches. Do you think there are any limits to His supply or His ability to take care of you? Why or why not? 

• Why does God always take care of His followers (even when they don’t deserve it)? [If you’re not sure, read Philippians 4:20 again]. 

• Do you thank God and give Him glory for the ways He cares for you? When and how? Or how can you start? 

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Matthew 6:25-33 | “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing,  yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

• What are some worries you have about everyday life? 

• Why does Jesus tell us not to worry about these things? What should we do instead? 

• Do you truly trust God to provide your needs the way he provides for the flowers, the birds, and all of creation? Why or why not? 

• What would putting Matthew 6 into action look like– especially verse 33 – seeking the kingdom of God above all else? How would this change the way you live? 

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Deuteronomy 29:5-6 | For forty years I led you through the wilderness, yet your clothes and sandals did not wear out. You ate no bread and drank no wine or other alcoholic drink, but he provided for you so you would know that he is the Lord your God.

• What miracles did God do for the Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness? 

• How was God able to make the Israelites clothes and shoes last that whole time? Or to keep them full and fed even though they had no food with them? 

• What are your needs? 

• Do you ever doubt God’s ability to provide for your needs? 

• What can you learn from the way He cared for the Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years?

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Finally the Israelites are out of Egypt! God is leading them to the promised land, but their journey there is going to be pretty eventful. They also aren’t quite done with Egypt yet. In fact, God is worried that if they were able to do it easily, the Israelites might try to go back to Egypt when their journey to the promised land gets tough (Exodus 13:17).

Exodus 13:18 | So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle.

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