Psalm 23 – I Shall Not Want

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Paul expressed to the Philippian brethren, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11). Paul wasn’t writing to tell them they needed to take better care of him, but rather he wrote to tell them “I HAVE LEARNED, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” How could Paul, who was often destitute, naked and hungry say such things? Because he learned by experience the LORD was his shepherd, as much as He’s our shepherd, and he took care of Paul’s absolute needs. You might say, “preacher, Paul said he’d been hungry, how can you say the Lord took care of his needs?” I respond, Paul lived through those occasions and wrote what he did in Philippians 4:11, so obviously the Lord took care of his wants, meaning his needs.

As we begin to shift away from the virus we’ve been inundated with, the same media, governmental officials and myriad of other sources are going to begin scaring us with data about the economy. Our government and media have proved over and over again they love us in panic and fear, and no doubt Satan does too. It may be a few weeks, but I assure you this will happen. If they don’t do what I’m predicting, as the proverbial saying goes, “I’ll eat my hat.” Thankfully I don’t wear one!

Some are already affected by our economy closing. We have members who have lost their jobs, others with reduced hours. We don’t know if that will worsen or not. We hear stories of meat supply chains faltering, food shortages expected and so many dire predictions. First, remember that most of the dire predictions we’ve been hearing HAVE NOT come to fruition. Keep that in your minds.

However, if the worst predictions come, or say worse than even those; what economists, supply chain observers, government officials and news media don’t rely on is this: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” We may not have everything we want, and we may experience shifts in what we’ve come to be comfortable with. Yet the LORD who knows how to shepherd us will take care of our fundamental needs. The Lord will provide!

As you read through this beloved Psalm, let the words deeply resonate. Don’t just recite it by rote memory or gloss over it – ponder each and every word. There’s reason it’s become so commonplace, because its truths are so monumental. However, it’s easy to get used to a monument and then allow in our minds for that monument to lose its grandeur. Don’t allow that!

He will lead us to green pastures and still waters, He will restore our soul, His rod and staff will comfort us as we walk through the valley of death’s shadow. While among our enemies, He’ll prepare us a table (He prepared one in the wilderness to feed millions) and anoint us with oil, our cups will run over with His blessings. His mercy and goodness will follow us all the days of our lives, and we’ll dwell in His hour forever. These are truths to be believed, rested upon, and praise Him for!

May our Lord bless you abundantly!
Love,
Br. Chris