The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. Psalm 23:1
With Jesus My Shepherd, I Lack Nothing
What is missing in your life? In the context of reading this devotion and having just been reminded of the opening verse of Psalm 23, you might quickly confess with David, “Since the Lord is my shepherd, I have everything I need.” But as the day goes on, the week progresses, and you look at your bills, deadlines, relationships, health, and responsibilities, you might feel there is something missing. There may be something lacking in your marriage, job satisfaction, daily routines, or life in general. Maybe you could name that missing thing right away. Maybe even talk for an hour over coffee with a friend about what your life is lacking.
So why have countless generations of God’s people had these words of David on their lips, “The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not be in want”? Is it a calm expression of trust in God’s providence? Is it to remind themselves to be content, despite their feelings of loss, frustration, or fear? Or is it a prayer, asking the Lord to keep their minds focused on his love for them? You likely would not be surprised if I suggested it was all of the above.
It’s true that some things people long for flow from misplaced priorities. The human heart, darkened by original sin, may have you desiring things that are not yours or that are not for your good. The Lord calls you to repent and to return to him, finding in his forgiving grace the one thing you truly need in this life.
In other cases, what seems missing may be a truly God-pleasing thing, a blessing only he can give, but for some reason seems elusive to you right now: like peace, safety, contentment, or hope. The Lord invites you to trust his love for you and his promises, which are all fulfilled in Jesus, the Good Shepherd. He bound himself to you and laid down his life for you. You can confidently say with David, “He is my shepherd. With him, I have everything I will ever need.”
Prayer: (CW, 552:1)
The King of love my shepherd is,
whose goodness fails me never;
I nothing lack if I am his,
and he is mine forever. Amen.
