I Shall NOT Want

We're praying about doing something very bold (at least to us), giving up comfort and security and launching out into the unknown. Let me rephrase that: the to-us unknown, but we know Who is going with us, and that He is faithful.

Nonetheless, the thought of leaving behind a life of ease, comfort, and security is somewhat scary. To this, He says:

"[You] shall not want."

Furthermore, He promises, "[I will make you] lie down in green pastures [and lead you] beside quiet waters" - pictures of plenty. If we mean that we trust Him, we should have confidence that taking the step is safe. Note that the psalm (Psalm 23, you guessed it) talks about lead to quiet waters - they are not right next to you, an expert is needed that leads you - past what? desert? - to those quiet waters. "He restores my soul" - what from? This is not a picture of perpetual ease, but one of faithfulness of God that difficulties that will come are not going to negate His arms of protection that support us.

Yet note further, "My cup overflows" (verse 5).

For "I shall not want," compare Psalm 34:9-10, Philippians 4:19. However, let's not forget, either, Paul's words in 1 Timothy 6:8, "If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content."

Also, verse 4 "rod" and "staff:" the shepherd not only leads, but also defends the flock (Lange, A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures).

Finally, one thing we shouldn't forget as Christian leaders is that the picture is of a flock (me, us) and a shepherd (Jesus). Too often, we limit ourselves to the "chief shepherd" - "shepherd" verses, and think of ourselves as the shepherd only, and those we lead as the "flock." While that is biblical, too, we must not forget to remember that we and those marvelous leaders God placed around us are also (dumb, helpless, needy) sheep led by the Shepherd.