Psalm 23

Well, what do you say about the most famous chapter in the Bible? Both you and I have read it or heard it read probably hundreds of times. It’s certainly been recited at nearly every funeral I’ve ever been to. I suppose that’s because it is a psalm of utter confidence and contentment. David knows that his God will take care of him. Period.

Take a look at how the first verse reads in a number of different translations:

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. (NLT)
The Lord is my shepherd. I lack nothing. (CEB)
You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. (CEV)
God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. (MSG)
The Lord is my shepherd. I am never in need. (GW)

It’s clear, isn’t it? If we have God, we have everything. If we don’t have God, we have nothing. And what perfect imagery—to picture God as a shepherd who gives everything to His sheep. Sheep, you know, aren’t the smartest creatures. In fact, they’re just about as dumb as you can get. So if they don’t have a good shepherd, they’re in big trouble.

With God as our shepherd, we are never in need. Is that hard for you to believe? Do you think you are in need of something? Anything? Do you think there is something you need that God hasn’t provided for you?

If so, I would like to challenge you to think again. Whatever it is you think you’re in need of, if you really need it, you will have it, because God will give it to you. It’s that simple.

Now, I understand that it’s very easy to say those words, and if you’re not at the place where you can wholeheartedly believe them, I’m not going to condemn you. But I would like to challenge you to consider what David has said and realize that it’s not a rhetorical statement.

David says I lack nothing. I am never in need. How could David say that, when half of his life was spent running away from people who wanted to kill him?! Was he just writing down nice words? Was he hoping to inspire himself into believing something he knew wasn’t true?

No, I think David absolutely meant what he wrote. Even in the midst of the storms of life, he could honestly evaluate his situation and see that whatever he truly needed was provided for him by his God.

God knows what you need, too. And if you find that what you think you need and what He’s providing don’t seem to be lining up, talk to Him about what you need. Tell Him that you expect Him to provide for all your needs—just as a good shepherd cares for his sheep.

And while you’re talking to Him, leave room for Him (if necessary) to change your mind about what you need. We may think we know what’s best, but at the end of the day, He knows the way to all the very best green pastures and still waters.

Trust Him.