Monday, May 23, 2011
Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
EVERYTHING I NEED
Is it really true what King David says here? If the Lord God is our Shepherd, is it really true that we who are the members of His flock will lack nothing? It doesn't seem to work out that way in real life. I know plenty of Christians who are poor, sick, in pain, or experiencing all sorts of difficult circumstances in which they are in need of some kind of relief. From my vantage point, it appears as though God's people often lack many things!
It *appears* so. That's the key. What is seen on the outside is not the whole story. Those who are children of the Heavenly Father by faith in Christ Jesus truly lack nothing. Romans 10:11 says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." You have forgiveness, peace, joy, hope, and comfort in the risen Christ who has laid down His life for His sheep. Your past is cleansed, your future is secured. No matter what has happened, it cannot rise up to haunt you. No matter what will happen, it cannot destroy your hope.
We have been given it all. If we complain or get too disturbed about what we think we lack, we ought to do better at setting our minds on things above. Our Good Shepherd does provide for us, both now and in eternity.
The King of Love my Shepherd is,
Whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am His
And He is mine forever.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 431:1)
