Most people who are familiar with the Bible have read or heard about this popular verse: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” These nine little words have taken on greater meaning for me lately.
Although my husband and I farmed and ranched for many years, we had no practical experience as shepherds. It didn’t take us long, however, to understand that the animals we owned needed consistent care. Food, water, medical attention, as well as protection from predators and severe weather presented their primary needs. We tried to make sure all their needs were met throughout the seasons.
Psalm 23:1 in the Passion Translations reads, “I always have more than enough. He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love.” While the New American Standard Version says, “The LORD is my shepherd, I will not be in need,” implying both present and future provision.
“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”
Psalm 23:1
Sometimes simple, uncomplicated words speak the loudest. Each word has an opportunity to settle within our hearts in a powerful way.
The Who
The who behind any statement gives it credibility. The solid ground for this verse comes from non other than Yahweh, Jehovah God. Every name God reveals expresses an attribute of His character and nature. The LORD, Jehovah, speaks of God as the unchanging, eternal. self-existent God — the “I AM THAT I AM.” He loves completely and unforsakingly, loving in virtue of His relationship with His people.
He comes to us far more than “a” shepherd. He announces to everyone and anyone His desire to become our Shepherd — even “my” Shepherd.” Right here I stop in amazement! The all-surpassing God, exalted and glorified, has become “my” Shepherd, taking responsibility to meet all and every need.
Let’s wait in that exquisite thought — resting in it.
Do you know Jehovah God in that way? Do you daily experience Him as your Shepherd — not just of your souls but One who is concerned about every aspect of who He created you to be? I hope so. If not, you can.
Although we provided well for our livestock, inevitably there would be that one “fence-jumper.” A cow that decided another field or pasture looked better than the one we offered. Because fence-jumpers create so many problems, It would quickly be sent to market before it had an opportunity to influence the rest of the herd in their vices. Fence-jumpers want things their way, in their time, refusing to respect boundaries or receive what is provided.
In a similar way, people struggle with surrendering to God’s agenda and insist on doing things their way. This propensity becomes one of the greatest hindrances to receiving Jesus as their personal Shepherd. When we choose to submit to Him and confess Him as our Shepherd, allowing Him to direct our lives, we receive the full benefit of an unending relationship with the One who loves us the best and most.
My Shepherd
The Good Shepherd lives with the sheep and knows each one individually. He notices a tilt of an ear, a slight limp, or an individual isolated from the flock. He sees and understands when one of His sheep acts out of character or responds in unusual ways. Quickly, He comes beside little lambs or aged rams to bring aid.
By continuously watching over my cattle, I also knew each one’s personality. Some were aggressive, while others were more compliant. I knew each one’s history and why they responded in the herd certain ways. I knew the “easy keepers” and those that were more demanding. When one was acting out of character, I knew they were in trouble and needed help.
Relationship! We thrive within loving, trusting relationship.
For so many years, I believed God was distant and disconnected from humanity — from me. I believed He existed, but His existence played no relevance to my life. Nothing could have been further from the truth.
“The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
Psalm 24:1
Everything and everyone already belong to God. However, only when we come into a personal relationship with Him, receiving Jesus Christ as our Savior, will we experience that reality.
“My Shepherd!” What comforting words! Trusting in Him, we find “a resting place … in his luxurious love.“ Here’s another thought worth thinking. God loves you with luxurious love — right where you are, even in your messy life situation.
I Shall Not Want
Oh, Lord! Too often we fence-jumping people come with our long list of demands, stating our dissatisfactions and selfish desires. But if we will for a moment stop and rest in God’s luxurious love, we will find that He has already provided everything we need. And more!
Love breeds contentment. Contentment births peace. Peace matures into sincere gratitude.
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:11-13
“I shall not want,” becomes both our present reality and future confidence. I appreciate the author’s transparency here. Contentment was something he learned. Contentment didn’t come naturally for him or for us. We are a wanting people. But as we settle and rest in the Shepherd’s love, everything (even a little) becomes more than enough to satisfy.
I find that the more I verbally declare God’s Word, the more it becomes my living reality, aligning my heart and desire to His. These words, “I shall not want,” have become a solid foundation for me in times of distress. As I speak these words, the Holy Spirit seals them within my heart as foundational truth — a truth I can always rely upon. May they become the same for you.
Prayer
Oh, Lord, thank You for the simplicity of this truth. You are my Shepherd (our Shepherd) — the One who has brought us into covenant relationship with Yourself as Your children, the sheep of Your flock. Lord, You care for each one of us deeply and intimately. You promise to provide for our every need. Thank You, for Your grace — for healing our brokenness and pouring Your salve into our wounds. May faith arise to believe that You are more than enough. You are the Bread of Life that sustains us, the Living Water that refreshes us, and our shelter from the fiercest storm. You stand between us and our enemies, defending, protecting, and constantly on guard around us.
Lord, help us to know Your voice as You speak to us in ways that we can understand, inviting us to draw closer in relationship with You. You do not hide Your face from us but reveal Yourself to us, showing us your luxurious love. May we be sensitive and responsive to You, our Shepherd. Remove our fence-jumping ways of rebellion and obstinance. May we be quick to respond, receiving Your love and provision. May the declaration of our lips ever be, “The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want.”
Oh, wonderful Shepherd, we also ask that You would continue to draw others into Your fold — that they, too, may experience the wonder of Your love and fullness of Your grace. There is always room for more! More than enough for all!
Here is further reading on the names of God:
The LORD of Hosts: Jehovah Sabaoth
The Lord is Peace — Jehovah Shalom
Adonai Jehovah – The Giver – The One Who Pours Out
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