Faithfulness
My comments today are about, “needs and wants”
“Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!
2 He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams.
3He gives new strength. He helps me do what honors Him. Psalm 23:1-3 NLT.
We begin where David began. “The Lord is my Shepherd: I have everything I need.” The Christian life is really that simple. The first statement of fact makes the second indisputable. The Apostle Paul was resolute in his assurance. “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NIV. God’s promise is clear and uncomplicated. When sheep have a shepherd who cares, watches, protects, and provides them rich pastures, sheep do not worry. Nor should you.
Jesus was plain and practical with His words. ”Don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink . . 30your Father already knows your needs. 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need.” Luke 12:29-31 NLT. Do not stop seeking God for your needs. Trust your wants into your Father’s heart and hands.
Needs and wants are dissimilar. Daily, you are challenged to distinguish between those. Enduring contentment and happiness depend on your ability to recognize the difference between desires and real needs. Sometimes, clarity can be challenging.
God measures all your needs in comparison with His bountiful riches that reside in Christ Jesus. For any of us, our wants are beyond count or measure. Actual needs differ from ample wants. God promised to provide your needs and bless your efforts to acquire your wants.
We are first introduced to David, the author of Psalm 23, as the youngest of seven brothers. When the prophet Samuel came to anoint a new King, the young shepherd was dutifully caring for his father’s sheep. Read 1 Samuel 16:4-13. Wouldn’t our God choose a loving shepherd to lead Israel, His people, and the sheep of His pasture?
Faithfulness is the virtue God values most. God is always faithful to His Word, His own character, and His redeemed children. And God expects you and me to be faithful to others as well as Him. The youngest and least likely of Jesse’s sons was God’s choice. David became the most beloved and effective King of Israel.
Psalm 23 is all about the Good Shepherd and His relationship with you and me, the sheep of His pasture. Maybe David, remembering his years of caring for his father’s sheep, could now reflect on how vulnerable and dependent sheep are. The Good Shepherd knows where to find plush pastures for feeding his sheep, and provides fresh water to refresh the sheep, and safe places to protect the sheep from harm.
David, the shepherd of his father’s flocks, begins this Psalm describing the Lord who is his Shepherd and he is absolutely persuaded that nothing will be lacking that the Lord would fail to provide. “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” No ifs, ands, or exceptions. God’s promise is an inclusive provision of David’s needs, and yours.
Sheep need a shepherd. They are not strong enough to defeat their adversaries, not quick enough to outrun them, and not smart enough to outwit them. I can identify with that. Can you? Like us, sheep need a Shepherd. God said of David, ”The Lord has sought out a man after His own heart. The Lord has already appointed him to be the leader of His people.” 1 Samuel 13:14 NLT. Thank God for our Great Shepherd, Jesus. Trust Him today. Remember you are the sheep of His pasture.
My prayer for you today is to rest confident in our Savior’s loving care.
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