I SHALL NOT WANT! A LOOK AT PSALM 23

NEW SERIES: WHEN IT'S GOOD TO CHANGE YOUR MIND

​If you haven’t already done so, please read the previous post for the introduction to this series.

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
[Psalm 23:1]

The responsibilities of a shepherd haven’t changed that much over time; they are still much the same as they were in bible days. Of primary importance was the need to provide nourishment from good pasture, while watching out for poisonous plants, and a water supply, where the herd could drink in safety. To keep them in optimum health, the sheep would need to be checked regularly for parasites and diseases, and of course the herdsman would be on hand to help during lambing time. The flock would also need protection from thieves, wild animals and severe weather patterns. A good shepherd lived life on the move; his focus the needs of his flock, his pleasure their health and wellbeing.

This was David’s life as a young man, and he learned the great lesson during those watchful days and nights, that the Lord, the Eternal One, shepherded him in exactly the same way. Just as a good shepherd supplied everything for the flock to prosper, so the Lord provided for all his needs.

​‘I shall not want!’ This was David’s joyous declaration; ‘I shall lack no good thing!’ Yet during the days when this chosen one lived as a fugitive, when he was hungry, betrayed and hunted, this statement didn’t look like it was true. However, David had learned to align himself with the Lord’s way of thinking—the essence of repentance (see previous post).
​
Sometimes we live in lack, despite the promises of our Good Shepherd:

Do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?”
​or “What shall we wear?” For the pagans run after all these things,
and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.
​[Matthew 6:31-33]
 
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
[2 Corinthians 9:7,8]
​

And we, like David, have a choice: we can characterise God as an austere disciplinarian, who gives us just enough to get by—because it’s 'good for us'; or we can let the disappointment that our prayers have not been answered cloud our days, and discourage us spiritually. Alternatively, we can see our periods of need as a bi-product of journeying in a fallen world. The Lord promises to work these periods together for our good [Romans 8:28], and so thwarts the plans of the Evil One to bring us low, but can never triumph over the Lord’s perfect will for us.
​
Like Abraham, (see last post) we can ‘face the facts’ but still declare our faith in our Good Shepherd who keeps His promises.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
​[Hebrews 10:23]

GREEN PASTURES

​The psalm goes on…

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
[Psalm 23:2]

An animal which feels anxious, unsafe and unsure of its food supply is on the move continually; alert, restless and constantly feeding. The imagery in this psalm is of verdant pasture, rich, nutritious and plentiful; this sheep is at rest, surrounded by abundance, and confidant in the care of the Shepherd.
​
Whatever our circumstances, like David, and Abraham (and countless others in the Bible), let’s align ourselves with God, and speak His truth over ourselves:

• ​The Lord is my shepherd, I lack no good thing [Psalm 23:1] 
• He satisfies my desires with good things [Psalm 13:5]
• The Lord is my provider [Genesis 22:14]
• My God supplies all my needs [Philippians 4:19]
• I will have all I need for every good work [2 Corinthians 9:7,8]
• I will not worry, for my Father knows what I need [Matthew 6:31-33]

THIS WEEK’S GRACE RHYTHM

If you are anxious about your needs right now, take some time out to lay them out before your Father in Heaven, telling Him how you feel. 

Choose to lay down any disappointment and confusion.

​Then start to thank Him for His love and faithfulness, and His promise to work everything out for you. 

Finally, speak out the declarations above over your life and family.

​To read more about the Lord's provision, click below:

GOD'S PROMISE OF PROVISION

NEXT WEEK: NEED SOUL RESTORATION? A LOOK AT PSALM 23
With personal and global problems multiplying, people are in desperate need of an answer to stress. Perhaps you are one of them..?

SHARE YOUR STORY

Why not encourage readers by sharing your experiences of God's provision?
​
Use the contact button above or email me at [email protected]

[Photo credits: Biegun Wschodni (shepherd);  Gospelriver.com (psalm);  Annie Spratt (basket); 
​Priscilla du Preez (girls) @ Unsplash, with thanks]