Of all the scriptures, apart from John 13, Psalm 23 is one of the most known and quoted. “The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). But what does “I shall not want” mean? In Hebrew it reads, “Yahweh, my Shepherd, not shall I want.” However, is there ever a time we do not want something? I want this or that to eat. Or, I want a new car. Perhaps a new job, new clothes, more money, or to have salmon for dinner (when what we have is steak). Wanting seems to be a constant in our humanity. So, what could these words mean: “I shall not want.” Is it a command or a promise? Maybe, it is both a promise and a command; because, the Lord is my Shepherd.
THE PROMISE: “I SHALL NOT WANT”
For all who have accepted the gift of salvation so freely given to all who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior, Lord and King; He is our good shepherd. Therefore, like a good shepherd, He provides for each of His sheep. He ascertains that we have that which we need. As such, many translational versions such as The Living Bible or the NIV translate this verse to mean: “I lack for nothing.” This is true, and it is the promise we are given. “your Father knoweth what things ye have need of” (Matthew 6:8) and “shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Therefore, I shall not be wanting in anything that I truly need.
That is a wonderful truth, one that we can count on every day. But, I think this verse; also, has a second connotation that we must ponder and consider. I think it is also a command to my own heart. One I must remind my heart and preach to my heart each day. When I remember that God is Sovereign, His love for me unconditional, and His desire is for my best; then, I shall not want anything apart from what He is and has provided for me. Because I trust Him, I shall not want of counterfeit joys. For He is providing my every need. Furthermore, He knows what trials, heartbreaks, and tears I must face to come to the end of me, that I might know Him and the fullness of His power in me.
THE COMMAND: “I SHALL NOT WANT”
Oh, foolish heart of mine, why do you want so much of vain glory or things that cannot satisfy? Standing before you IS God with open arms; wanting to fill every crevice of your heart with His love, His joy and His peace. He is the bubbling fountain, the water of life that satisfies your thirsty soul. Ever present, He patiently waits to hear your voice seeking Him, calling out His name in the early hours or saying goodnight at the end of each day.
Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want for other things. Yet, there are times I must remind my heart of that truth. I sit down and recall all those times when He has supplied me, not with what I asked for; but always, what was better. How often has He protected me from myself? Knowing that what I thought I wanted would only cause me harm, He said, “no, I have something better for you”.
“I SHALL NOT WANT” WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
It means that in Christ Jesus, I have everything that I need and more. He is my greatest treasure. I know that He loves me and will give me His best; because, He is for me. Therefore, I shall not want because He is Jehovah Jireh, my Provider.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Just released:
For previous posts:
What was the Greatest Oath Ever Made?
How to Not Allow False Doctrine to Seep In
In God’s Kingdom the Last Shall be First, Why?
How to Serve God with a Humble and Certain Heart
Do You Know and Trust the Good Shepherd?
Or for poetry
The Shepherd’s Lullabye of Love
Do You Want to Know the Secret to Abiding Steadfast Joy?
A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.
WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”
Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.
You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.
ANOTHER Book Available
God called upon a layman to “Build That Wall” around Jerusalem in 444 B.C. Nehemiah had no former political position, nor was he among the spiritually elite. He held a comfortable prestigious position in the royal palace of the Persian King Artaxerxes. Yet, God called him out, to leave his comfort behind and to go to build the wall for his people. He met with great opposition, political corruption, and threats; yet, he stands out as a great leader. This is an in-depth study of Nehemiah, followed by an apologetic argument discussing “the Evil within Our own nation”, how we let it in and what we must do now as Christians.
You can find this and all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there
OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
CREDITS AND FOOTNOTES
Photo by Eye for Ebony on Unsplash