“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Psalm 23
Almost every home cooked meal I enjoyed in childhood had at least one portion prepared in my mom’s iron skillet. My mom was a southern cook which meant she could pan fry anything; pork chops, green tomatoes, corn bread, and home fries were among my favorite dishes. That iron skillet was a mainstay in her kitchen. If you know anything about those old cast iron kettles, you know they do not wear out. They get better and more seasoned over time.
Psalm 23 is an iron skillet scripture. No matter how many times we read it, the images and truths never diminish. Instead, they grow in meaning deepening our appreciation and devotion. For the next several days, we will use our Daily Devotion to reflect on what this passage teaches us about God.
Through the images of a Shepherd with his sheep, King David, the author of Psalm 23, teaches us to see God as our Provider. The Lord is my shepherd. The connection between the dense and witless nature of sheep to humanity is all too obvious. When God calls us sheep, He is doing more than calling us ignorant. He is casting our dependence upon Him in terms we can understand…a relationship. Notice that David says, the Lord is “my” shepherd. God’s provision is based upon a relationship of love and concern.
The point is not that sheep are dull; the point is that sheep are vulnerable. They rely upon their shepherd for everything: protection, food, care, and guidance. And we are just as dependent upon God as a sheep is dependent upon its shepherd. When you know God as your shepherd, you can say with King David, I shall not want.
I shall not want is a declaration of assurance. I shall not want is the confession of belief in God’s ability and willingness to provide for all our needs. In this season of financial and vocational uncertainty, let’s remind one another how God has promised to be our Provider. He is our Shepherd and He will ensure we have all we need for life and godliness. He will put bread on our table every day. He will give us the emotional strength to persevere through these long days of isolation. God, because He is a good Shepherd, will provide for His sheep whatever they may need.
Are you fretting and anxious about the days to come? Worried about meeting the needs of your family? Take this time to pray to God as your Shepherd. Lord, teach me what it means to look to you as my Provider. Good Shepherd, remind me of my dependence upon you and help me trust in your perfect provision. Amen.
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