Daily Devotional – Thursday, March 23, 2023
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
Psalms 23:1 (NKJV)
One of the most iconic and memorable statements in the Bible is, “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.” (Psalms 23:1). In this psalm, the persona is a sheep. David assumes the role of his sheep and draws parallels on how we should relate to God our Shepherd.
I have all that I need
Now that we are the sheep of God, what does it mean to say we shall not lack? The New International Version (NIV) of the Bible is more elaborate. It states, “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”
Now, if someone gave you pen and paper and asked you to write what you lack, would you return the paper blank? Yet, that is what David states. Did the psalmist lie or exaggerate? How can the Bible say I lack nothing when I am surrounded by so many needs that I am unable to meet?
I Will Not be in Need
The answer lies in assuming the mindset of the sheep. As long as the animal follows the shepherd, it will have food, shelter, safety and life. Similarly, God provides us with these four blessings and many more on condition that we follow Him faithfully.
That is not all. So long as the sheep listens to and obeys the shepherd, he will meet the animal’s needs. The sheep can choose not to obey the shepherd and wander off the path of safety and providence. Out there is danger because wild animals and thieves lurk.
There is Nothing I Lack
In addition, as long as the sheep trusts the shepherd it will not lack because the shepherd knows where water and pasture are. As sheep, we cannot decide where to graze. We rely fully on the knowledge and wisdom of God to lead us in the right direction.
Moreover, the sheep will lack nothing because the shepherd knows the menu for the day. What we think we lack, God has not ordained for us now or ever. How then can we lack that which God does not want us to have?
I Shall not Want
As you contemplate Psalm 23:1, here is a wonderful promise to claim: “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11). Notice the words “no good thing’. Now you know what it means to say, “I will not lack”.
Prayer
Dear God, because You are my Shepherd, I will not lack.
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I like the statement ” as long as the sheep trusts the shepherd , it will not lack because shepherd knows where water and pasture are” . Amen
Amen, Martin. Blessings upon you.
It is my prayer
Amen, Pastor.