The Obedience That Breeds Intimacy | Jordan Tolle | 06.16.26

Have you ever wondered why God sometimes feels far away—especially when you're walking through one of the hardest seasons of your life?

Psalm 23 gives us one of the most beautiful pictures of our relationship with God: the Lord is our Shepherd.

He provides what we need. He leads us into rest. He renews our strength. He guides us along the right paths. And even when those paths lead through the darkest valleys, our Shepherd remains right beside us.

In this final message from our Soul Songs series, Pastor Jordan Tolle walks through Psalm 23 and explores a powerful spiritual truth:

Obedience breeds intimacy with God.

David begins Psalm 23 by declaring:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.”

But when we experience lack in our lives, where do we look?

We can try to satisfy the needs of our hearts through relationships, our own intelligence, material things, success, or countless other substitutes. Yet none of them can take the place of our Shepherd.

When the Lord is our Shepherd, we can trust Him as our Provider and keep our eyes fixed on the One who truly knows what we need.

Psalm 23 also teaches us something our fast-paced culture desperately needs:

Rest.

God doesn't simply want us constantly running from one responsibility to another. He leads us beside peaceful waters because rest in His presence restores us, renews our minds, and prepares us for what He has called us to do.

And that rest produces renewed strength.

Not simply strength that looks impressive to others, but daily strength—the strength to resist temptation, endure difficult seasons, face opposition, and continue walking when we feel like we can't take another step.

Then Pastor Jordan points out a fascinating transition in Psalm 23.

At first, David talks about God:

“HE renews my strength.”

“HE guides me along the right paths.”

But when David enters the darkest valley, his language changes:

“YOU are close beside me.”

God goes from “He” to “You.”

David isn't simply talking about his Shepherd anymore.

He's talking to his Shepherd.

What happened?

He followed the Shepherd down the right path—and obedience produced intimacy.

Following God doesn't mean every road will be easy.

Sometimes the right path will lead through difficult terrain. There may be valleys, uncertainty, pressure, and moments when we cannot see what lies ahead.

But if the Shepherd is beside us, we don't have to fear the path.

His rod protects us.

His staff guides us.

His presence comforts us.

And He continues leading us toward the rest, provision, goodness, and abundance He has prepared.

Maybe today God feels far away.

Maybe you've wandered from the path.

Or maybe you're walking through a valley and wondering whether He's still there.

The invitation of Psalm 23 is simple:

🐑 Come back to the Shepherd.

🙏 Follow His voice.

🛤️ Walk the path He has placed before you.

❤️ Allow obedience to lead you into deeper intimacy with Him.

Because obedience leads to His protection, His refreshment, His presence, His abundance—and ultimately, intimacy with God.

📖 Main Scripture: Psalm 23

▶️ Watch the full message and share it with someone who needs to remember that God is not distant. Your Shepherd wants to walk right beside you.

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