No Lack - Martin Wiles

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

I’ve often wanted.

For many years, I’ve wanted a Jeep Wrangler Sport. A two-door with a lift kit and wide tires. One where I can remove the doors if I want on hot summer days, and one I can take anywhere without having to worry about getting stuck. But I’ve never checked the price on one. For most of my working life, I couldn’t afford one. Even during the few times when I could have, buying one wouldn’t have been practical because of their limited space.

I have also wanted a large-size pickup. One with four-wheel drive, a lift kit, and large tires. One with a quad cab so I could take along friends when my wife and I travel. And a home in the mountains would also be nice. I’ve always wanted to live there.

Sometimes, my wants are not so extravagant. My wife and I have experienced seasons when all we wanted was to visit a nice restaurant and order anything we wanted. Not have to share.

I’m sure I could think of some other things I’ve wanted during my life’s journey that I haven’t gotten—either because common sense prevailed or because my income wouldn’t accommodate it.

The psalmist had been a shepherd and a king, but he experienced times when he wanted—yet he said he shouldn’t.

Most modern translations of the Bible change the word want so that it reflects the true meaning of the Hebrew word: not to lack. That doesn’t help because I have lacked things, and the Lord is my shepherd, too.

Perhaps, the problem lies in our definition of want and need. We often confuse them. A need is what we must have to survive physically and to do God’s will. A want comprises anything else. Keeping the definitions correct takes a lifetime of experience. And depending on where we live and what time of life we are in, the definitions might change again.

The psalmist did not lack anything that kept him alive or hindered him from doing God’s will because the Lord was his shepherd. When we allow God to take up residence in our lives, He becomes that same shepherd for us and gives us everything we need. Jesus later told His followers not to worry about tomorrow—or even the present day.

Our duty involves trusting God to give us exactly what we need each day of our lives. Easier said than done. I’ve traveled through periods when it didn’t appear God was keeping His word, but He was—from His perspective, which is often different from mine.

God never let David down, and He’ll never let us down either. He is the shepherd who will gently and adequately guide us down every life path, supplying all our needs in the process.

Trust God each day to supply what you need.

Prayer: Father, we thank You for giving us everything we need.

Tweetable: Are you trusting God for your needs? 

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