The Lord Is Our Shepherd



 

    One of the most comforting passages in the Bible is probably the 23rd Psalm. It is often read at funerals for this very reason. Although this Psalm is most associated with death, it brings us hope and comfort in life. 

     I love how it opens in the NIV (New International Version) - The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. Many of us have heard the King James Version - The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.  The word want has a dual meaning. Want can be a wish or desire. Want also means a need or a lack of something. I like that the preposition in is before want in the NIV. It makes the meaning of want so much clearer.


     I don’t know about you, but when I think of the word want, I’m more prone to think of my heart’s desires. My wants involve things like: how much I’d like to have a million dollars, a Porsche 911, 50 yard line tickets to a home Steelers game…as a matter of fact, I have an endless list of wants. These kinds of wants really are not a necessity for me to live. They are things I would love to have. 

  

     But when you look at the term “in want”, it implies that there is a need or a lack. This meaning goes along better with the Lord as a shepherd. A shepherd looks out for and loves his sheep. He makes sure they have food and water and a safe place to sleep. He also protects them from predators and makes sure they don’t wander and get lost.


     Because the Lord is omnipresent – always everywhere – He’s always near to me. Just like a shepherd, He walks close by me every minute of every day. If I am hurt or troubled, I can talk to Him and know that He is listening. He will guide me through whatever befalls me, as long as, I hold onto my faith and keep my eyes on Him. He will give me the spiritual food and water I need to survive any crisis. When things get too bad, He will carry me through them. I will pass through the trial or storm both stronger and wiser and come out of it closer to Him.


     Take a look at your list of desires. When you look at your list of wants in the form of things you desire, can any of those things bring you lasting peace, joy, or happiness? Can they stop you from craving even more things? Can they help you through a crisis? Are they capable of loving you and caring for you? I know mine cannot. They may bring temporary relief from sadness or may cause another set of troubles I was not expecting. When I concentrate on my wishes and desires, I think that there has to be more to life than this and don't appreciate God's blessing currently in my life.


     There is a place in our soul that will always be empty unless it is filled with the Lord’s presence. It's a place made especially for Him. As long as we allow Him in our lives, He fills that void, and we will never be in want. He will give us everything we need to live and survive in this world. There is no human on this earth who can love us as much as the Lord loves us, or who can care for us the way He can. Today He fills my soul…that place that only He can fill, and I am comforted by one simple sentence…The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

 

 

 

Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. Psalms 16:5-6


This excerpt is from my book Reflecting Back...Looking Forward.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

ETERNAL TRUTH

Image
                                It’s been a rough year, especially when it comes to politics. I believe due to the pandemic and being trapped at home that political issues have seeped into our personal lives more so than it ever has before. It has also fomented anger, worry and concern, especially those who are conservative. I know I have felt fear at the direction this country is heading and unjustness at being cancelled because my beliefs aren’t aligned with the radical left.                 This week I was listening to a podcast and got a little boost of hope. During a YAF conference in Florida, one the of topics was the toxic political environment and attack on conservatives from politicians and businesses. Senator Ted Cruz said something that encouraged me. He said…”Go towards truth, light and freedom. The great thing about ete...
Read more

Falling to Pieces - Chapter One

Image
  CHAPTER ONE     They stood side by side at the edge of the dock gazing out at the ocean. The sea breeze blew its playful fingers through their hair. Kathryn’s yellow sundress slapped gently against her calves. When the sound of cars passing by was not present, they heard the call of seagulls and the waves lapping against the dock. Kathryn put her arm through Monte’s. “Isn't this view fabulous? I can’t believe how fun Charleston is. You were so lucky to grow up near here.” Monte turned to her and smiled, causing his blue eyes to crinkle at the corners. “I’m the lucky one because I’m here with you seeing this town through your eyes.” He pulled her to him. The longer they were in Charleston, the more pronounced his Southern accent became. His lips claimed hers in a kiss that sent her senses spinning like a tornado and sending her into the clouds. “What would you like to do this afternoon?” His words brought her back to Earth. Kathryn smiled up at him. “Let’s...
Read more

Cornerstone

Image
       On October 13, 1782, the cornerstone for the presidential residence was laid.   George Washington was president at the time, but it was John Adams that became the first president to live in it.   It became known as the “White House” because it was constructed with white-gray Virginia freestone and contrasted dramatically with the red brick buildings nearby.        A cornerstone is an important part of a building.   It is usually the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation.   The placing of the stone is important because all the other stones of the foundation will be set in reference to this one stone and establishes the position of an entire structure.        Just as the cornerstone is important in the foundation of a building, the same could be said of our hearts/souls.   They are the core or very foundation of everything we do from how we live our lives to take...
Read more