Psalm 23 Through Connection: Leaving Separation Mindset Behind

Sorry ! There are some audio drop outs on the recording. Still well worth listening to.John Hulse opens with jokes, then recaps a church theme about building with an “empire mindset” and explains two lenses for life: separation (scarcity, certainty, perfection, self-centeredness) versus connection (enough, mystery, fallibility, others-focused). Using Psalm 23 (amplified), John argues it is often read through a Western, separation mindset that treats God like a controller, instead of a shepherd who feeds, guides, and shields. He links “I shall not want” to freedom from scarcity and describe green pastures and still waters as restoring spaces that foster creativity and prepare people for growth. John redefines the “valley of the shadow of death” as the fears that stop someone taking the next step of obedience, illustrating with Paul writing in prison and a personal story of becoming a union rep guided by Micah 6:8. He interprets “a table in the presence of my enemies” as inviting and honoring opponents, referencing a Russell Brand interview with Jamie Winship that challenged the speaker’s judgment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.