“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
This Psalm begins with a massive truth - and then immediately inserts what should be the result of that truth.
The Shepherds in David’s day lived with their sheep. And unlike western Shepherds, they did not drive them - they led them. The sheep recognized their Shepherd and followed him wherever he went. In times of danger, they would move toward their protector.
Does that
describe your relationship with the Lord?
It seems
at times I run to God only after I have run everywhere else. I turn to Him after I have tried to fight the
wolves on my own. Then after struggling - I come bruised and bloodied to Jesus so
He can rescue me.
This Psalm begins with a massive truth - and then immediately inserts what should be the result of that truth.
The Shepherds in David’s day lived with their sheep. And unlike western Shepherds, they did not drive them - they led them. The sheep recognized their Shepherd and followed him wherever he went. In times of danger, they would move toward their protector.
Sheep are not the brightest animals in the pasture, but at least they know what
to do when they are threatened. It would seem useful for me to learn that
principle myself.
The
second phrase, “I shall not want” means
I will have all I need - but the wording also illuminates another important message
for me.
Not only will
I not be in need - but If the Lord is my Shepherd - I should not want anything more
than I have. I should understand that He knows what I need - and He knows what
I don’t need. I ought to trust in what I am given and what I am denied with
equal enthusiasm. In other words, I
should practice contentment.
How about
you? ...When you wake up in the morning would you describe your mood as content?
Or would you use words like anxious, worried, or exhausted? Those are words used
to describe Sheep with no Shepherd. Those are words that describe someone
fighting their own battles.
A lamb is
safest when he is close to the shepherd.
Do you trust Jesus as your Shepherd? Do you move close to Him when you
are threatened and rest comfortably in His protection…or do you “want”?
Practice relaxation
and contentment today…He has given you what you need.
Even though the wolves prowl nearby - if you stay close to The Shepherd, all they can do is growl - Because He that is in you, is greater than He that is in the world.
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