I Shall Not Want

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 23:1

Keeping Sheep

David knew what it meant to be a shepherd.  He knew what it took to protect sheep and keep them from harm. It was more than just leading sheep to water and feeding them.  When he was about to fight Goliath he said to King Saul, “…And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has struck down both lions and bears.” (1 Samuel 17:34-36)  David was more than a mighty man, he was a great shepherd.

David said the Lord is “my” shepherd.  In a very personal way, the Lord was the provider and protector for David.  When David was all alone in the wilderness with his sheep, the Lord was there with him.  And when he faced lions and bears, the Lord was there with him.  God gave him strength and might to be able to fight wild animals.  No wonder the Philistine giant was no problem for David.  It was just another day in the field.  David knew the power that God would give to him when he faced difficulties.  Going against Goliath was a walk in the park compared to fighting with lions and bears.

Interestingly, David also said because the Lord is my shepherd, “I shall to want.”  What an amazing statement.  Because the Lord is our shepherd we will never be in want for anything.  Don’t confuse this with fleshly desires though.  David was implying here that the Lord will never allow His sheep to be in need.  Every need will be met and be given with pleasure.

Prayer

Lord, I know that You alone are my shepherd and I turn to you for everything.  Thank You, Jesus, my Shepherd.