Psalms 23:1

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want

 

When David wrote this Psalm, he must have been reflecting on his youth when he was a shepherd to his father’s flock. As he remembered how the sheep trusted and depended on him as their shepherd, he wrote of his determination to depend on the Lord in the same way.

 

David wrote, “The LORD is my shepherd.” David’s heart was in submission to the Lord. He looked to the Lord as his shepherd and saw himself as the Lord’s lamb. Because of this relationship, David said, I shall not want.

 

Shall is a helping verb, which means it combines with a main verb and changes the tense of the verb. In this case, giving “want” a future time reference, so that it might be read as, “I do not plan to, intend to, expect to… be in want.” Why? “Because the Lord is my shepherd.”

 

I wonder. Do sheep worry? Does concern for tomorrow steal their joy today? Does anxiety for food and shelter rob them of sleep? No, I don't think so!. They trust their shepherd. He is their source and guide. They know his voice and they follow him.

 

Do you trust the Lord with all your wants and desires? Can you say with David, The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want?

 

https://youtu.be/zPIUVd2F-b4?si=WrOboa3jA-v77nHi

 

Prayer Points

 

1. Father, help me to trust in Your provision for all my needs, both known and unknown! Grant me the faith to rest in Your care

 

2. Father, direct my steps, and give me the discernment to follow Your will, trusting that You know the best way for me to go.

 

3. Father, draw me nearer to Your heart, that I may know You more deeply and experience Your love more. 

 

4. Father, help me to be content in Your provision, resting in the truth that because You are my Shepherd, I lack nothing.