I Shall Not Want

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall lack nothing!

What is the most familiar psalm of the Bible? Everyone has heard or read the words of the Twenty-Third Psalm at some time. Whether quoted in a eulogy or printed on a remembrance card at a funeral, most people identify the psalm with the passage from death into eternity. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” But this psalm is not about dying, it's about living!

This psalm tells us one of the most remarkable names of God: Jehovah Ro’I, the Lord My Shepherd! God doesn’t shepherd us through death into eternity; He shepherds us in living an eternal life. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd,” to illustrate his love and tender care for those who trust in Him. He laid down His life for His sheep to protect and keep them in life; not because He died and remained in the grave, but because He rose again in power, vanquishing death and conquering hell and the grave!

Let’s consider the things our Good Shepherd has promised us in life. He gives us rest and safety when He “makes us lie down in green pastures.” He effortlessly satisfies our thirst when He “leads us beside the still waters.” He gives us His peace to relieve our anxieties when He “restores our soul.” And when we don’t know what to do or where to go, He provides direction and affirmation when He “leads us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” In all situations in life, we can be reassured that our Good Shepherd is providing all we need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus so that we can say, “I shall not want!”

We need not wait until death for the Shepherd to lead us into eternity. When we put our trust in Jesus, and we are “born again,” we’ve already passed through death into the eternal life He promises. Walk with the Shepherd every day and receive from Him everything you’ll ever need.

Read: Psalm 23, John 10:11-18, Philippians 4:18-20

Listen: I Shall Not Want