A fretful parishioner once came to a famous preacher’s office, feeling disturbed and frightened. “Two men are following me everywhere I go,” she said. Because he was aware of the woman’s overactive imagination, the preacher said kindly, “Oh, I know exactly who these men are.” “Who?” she asked. “They are goodness and mercy,” he replied.
Psalm 23:1-6 opens with this simple and powerful affirmation: “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need” (Psalm 23:1). None of the words that follow make sense without this firm conviction: God provides what we need. There’s no moment when we’re outside of God’s reach, and nothing is required for our well-being that God doesn’t deliver. Indeed, His goodness and love never abandon us (Psalm 23:6).
The psalm tells us that—with God—we will not lack. It reminds us that though Israel wandered through the wilderness for 40 years, they “lacked nothing” (Deuteronomy 2:7). Even when we’re in the deserts of life, seemingly lost and listless, God meets our every need.
His care for us is true when we enjoy the lush meadows as well as when we endure the darkest valley (Psalm 23:2,4). The green meadows and peaceful waters are our reality because God is with us. The valley of the shadow of death will not destroy us because God is with us. Our faith isn’t a promise of escape from the vexing realities of our world, but the assurance that God has endured the world’s horror and now stands as Victor. He shepherds us toward the fullness of life in God’s kingdom (John 10:10).
This good future with God is where we’re heading, though there is still a path to travel between here and there. As we journey, with the Lord as our shepherd, let’s remember that we lack nothing.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Joshua 10:1-15
More:
If you haven’t memorized Psalm 23:1-6, take a verse or two each day this week and set the words in your heart. Pray the verses each morning. Allow the words to stay with you throughout the day.
Next:
Where are your green meadows right now? Thank God for them. Where are your dark valleys? Affirm that God is with you in them.
Ruth O'reilly-smith on March 3, 2014 at 11:55 pm
I love this powerful illustration Winn. When we look at our circumstances, we are quick to see all the lack but when we shift our focus and turn our attention onto Jesus, we begin to see life from His perspective, we become aware of what we do have and of how we can use all that we are to be a blessing in our world every day. (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Winn Collier on March 4, 2014 at 8:36 am
turning that attention is the crucial things, isn’t it? And so difficult sometimes.
Tom Felten on March 4, 2014 at 8:54 am
Good insights, Winn. I’m reminded of what the apostle Paul wrote: “This same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
Wayne on March 4, 2014 at 11:03 am
The 23rd psalm is wonderful, I love goodness &
mercy, good to know we have them in tow.
Thank you very much Winn, Wayne