I Shall Not Want

Key Passage: Psalm 23:1 

Devotional: 

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” How many times have you read this verse but not actually considered its meaning? Because the Lord is our shepherd, we have no needs, we are lacking in nothing. Can you honestly say that you are totally content with your station in life and that nothing could be added or changed to make it more complete or comfortable? Maybe you are waiting on a test result to determine your next steps. Maybe you are working your tail off yet still struggling to keep the electricity on. What about the many prayers prayed asking the Lord to provide you with a spouse or for a child or healing in a relationship? The reality is that we are in a broken world where we do have needs. A lot of needs, all the time. So, what does this verse reveal about God? 

Let us consider sheep who are cared for by a shepherd. They are guided to nourishment, protected from predators and the elements, and are always watched over. Shepherds must constantly be with their flock—even sleeping outside and weathering difficult and dangerous storms with them. A flock of sheep are so familiar with their shepherd that they actually recognize their master’s voice and smell, and his presence calms them in times of unfamiliarity or danger. These sheep are totally obsessed and highly dependent on their shepherd, and they have no wants. Now, let us consider Jesus Christ as our Great Shepherd. His Words are our nourishment and protection—He guides us, and His presence is always with us. As you know and follow Jesus, His voice and His presence become so familiar that you can honestly say, I have no needs because He is all that I need. 

This is a mighty claim. Many earthly things fight for your attention, but does Jesus hold your entire affection? Are you fully satisfied in Christ? John Piper is often quoted as saying, “God is most glorified when you are most satisfied in Him.” Do you delight in the Lord? Let us be people that are completely and utterly enamored by God’s loving kindness towards us. Do you desire Jesus above all else? Psalm 37:4 says to delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. As you seek to know and follow Jesus, He will give you the desires of your heart, because your heart will be aligned with the Father’s. 

Today, seek the Father’s heart. When you seek first the kingdom of God, your perspective on life will have a heavenly lens. Earthly needs are a reality, and the Lord hears every prayer and knows what burdens us. We need the Holy Spirit to give us a heavenly perspective that God is faithful, and He is our perfect provider. As Piper puts it, “the glory of Jesus dims all distractions.” Be in awe of God and allow His presence to be your consuming passion. Here is where you will have no want. 

Application Question: What distractions must I lay aside in order to give Jesus my full affection? What must I surrender today to earnestly say, I shall not want? 

Further Reading: Psalm 37; Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 12:1-3 

Written by Sarah West