Psalm 23: #2 I Shall Not Want

Students in a Bible class were once asked to memorize Psalm 23. One little girl stood up and began “The Lord is my Shepherd.” Then she paused, as her mind went blank.

Quickly, she smiled and blurted out, “And that’s all I want.”

Well, it’s not exactly what David, the Shepherd King, wrote, but it’s a pretty good commentary. When the Lord is “my Shepherd,” what else and who else do I need?

Last week we began a series examining each phrase of this magnificent and time honored Psalm. As noted in that post, sheep are unable to provide and care for themselves. They need the Shepherd. Jesus, who is “The Good Shepherd” (Jn 10:11), loves the sheep. Cares for them. Protects them. Guards them. And supplies their every need.

But this is personal. “The Lord is MY Shepherd. I shall not want.” Not just them. But me. “My shepherd.” And my needs. One version renders this, “I lack nothing.” Another translates it, “I don’t need a thing.” Why? Because we have our Shepherd by our side.

What cares do you have? What concerns you? What keeps you awake at night? Causes you to wonder? To worry? Or to even question? Our Lord is the Good Shepherd on whom, as Peter put it, you can “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” 1 Pet. 5:7)

Wilson Adams, in his class book Songs To Soothe the Soul, offers a dozen different ways the Lord provides based on Psalm 23.

• I shall not lack rest–why? v.2a
• I shall not lack peace–why? v.2b
• I shall not lack encouragement–why? v.3a
• I shall not lack guidance–why? v.3b
• I shall not lack courage–why? v.4b
• I shall not lack companionship–why? v.4b
• I shall not lack comfort–why? v.4c
• I shall not lack honor–why? v.5a
• I shall not lack protection–why? v.5b
• I shall not lack abundance–why? v.5c
• I shall not lack continual blessings–why? v. 6a
• I shall not lack security–why? v 6b

This assurance reminds us of two New Testament passages. First, Jesus’ promise in the text where He proclaimed that He is “The Good Shepherd.” “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (Jn. 10:10). One version renders “abundantly” as “fullness.” Think of it. Life in all its fullness. Isn’t that what people are seeking and searching for? The Good Shepherd offers it.

Secondly, I think of Paul, as an aged man, writing from a Roman prison. He describes how he learned contentment, even in times when it seemed he was lacking in some area. Yet, his confidence was undeterred. So, he could assure them, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:20).

What do you need? You have physical needs? Emotional needs? Social needs? Relational needs? Spiritual needs? God will provide your every need. The Shepherd who sustained Israel with manna in the wilderness, who fed Elijah by the brook, who delivered Daniel from the den of lions, who provided for the disciples sent without staff or purse, promises to “supply all your needs.”

Furthermore, remember God knows what we really need better than we do. Sometimes the very thing we want, is not what we need. In fact, when we pray, God knows our needs before we ever utter the first word. In His mountain message, Jesus said, “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matt 6:8).

Finally, consider David’s trusting relationship with his Shepherd The phrase and the entire Psalm speaks to confidence in and reliance on the Lord. In an age of self-reliance, we need more God-reliance. Remember, we’re compared to sheep. Sheep who need the Shepherd. We must submit ourselves to this kind of relationship, to receive what we truly need.

When you face tough times, perilous situations, or unfavorable circumstances, you have your Shepherd. He will provide so that you will have exactly what you need.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman