Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of our providing Shepherd. I understand the first verse of Psalm 23 as the theme of the psalm. “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). I will not lack anything I need, because God is my shepherd. The rest of the psalm expounds various ways and situations in which that is true.
Actually, I have made my own song out of this psalm, and I use “I shall not want” as the chorus to accompany every phrase. Take verse 4, for example. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me” (Psalm 23:4).
The wording of my song is “There’s no fear in death; I shall not want,” followed by “Because He is with me, I shall not want.” This second part is one of my favorite parts of the whole psalm. If my Shepherd is at my side, how can I lack anything I need?
As I was recently pondering this thought, I was reminded of Hebrews 13:5. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” This is another way of acknowledging the same truth: “Because He is with me, I shall not want.”
God is never leaving me. If He is never leaving, then He is always with me. If He is always with me, then I will not lack anything I need. If I do not lack, I can be content. Even if I don’t have everything I want. Even if circumstances are not ideal. Even in the valley of the shadow of death. I can be content, because my providing Shepherd is with me and will supply all that I need.
I trust that our great Shepherd’s presence is very real and dear to you. May this assurance serve as a reminder that He will provide all that you need. May you rest in the surety of His provision, whether or not life seems ideal. Our ever-present Shepherd will provide every need in every situation.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
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