I Shall Not Want

While we understand that God is the provider of all things, it is easy to think of “want” in terms of material needs; yet, the David who penned this Psalm spent many years running for his life. Many times he lacked comfort and provision that we consider needs. 

Jesus himself said, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”

Even though David tired of running, and there seemed no end to his torment in sight, he honored God.  He cried out for solace, and he worshipped regardless of his situation. 

I have been reading along with my daughter in her college, History of Civilizations class.  It truly saddens my heart how many of the world’s civilizations have never known the true God.  Those who have known Him have not always lived in comfort. Yet, Jesus said that he came to give us life to the full (John 10:10).  

In Revelation 3:17-22, Jesus spoke to the church in Laodicea that they were lukewarm.

“For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.”

Instead, Jesus said to come to Him for true wealth.  With salvation, they would sit with Him on His throne. 

We don’t want to be sheep who look for greener pastures and end up hungry and poor in spirit.  When our family tended milk goats, we learned the hazards of pasture animals looking for greener grass. Animals who have horns will catch them in the fence, and often hang themselves trying to pull their heads back into the pen. It is so sad, but people can be the same way. We can’t ride the fence. We are either in or out, and there is nothing for us that is better than what Jesus offers us.

The good shepherd takes care of His sheep. He died for them, and He will never lose any who belong to Him. 

When David said he “shall not want,” he knew that God provided Him with every eternal need.  It’s Christ’s love and his tender, daily care that comfort and provide all we need.  And the physical needs?  All that we have comes from His hand.    

“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,”

Hebrews 12:28

If you are training up Godly children, keep reminding them that God gives us all that we need. Our eternity is safe in His hands. Keep praying with them, thanking Him for everything that He provides, and acknowledging the ways that He has answered recent prayers. You are helping to build their faith.

Lord, thank you that “I shall not want.” Thank you that you give us our daily bread, that you purchased our forgiveness, and that you always provide an escape from temptation, delivering us from evil. Remind us you are all that we need. Heaven would not be heaven without you there with us. Amen

Photos by Kat Jayne and  Erik Mclean from Pexels.