The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want

I need a shepherd. Life sometimes throws us things that are so difficult and heavy that we simply want to give up. I can remember back in 2003 before I had my first lower back surgery. I spent 6 weeks in my bed and had to crawl to the restroom and any other room I felt like visiting, which was none. We have an upstairs bedroom at the time and I’m sure you can imagine the extra work it was on my wife to take care of me. I don’t think I was a great patient.

I couldn’t get comfortable, the hours seemed like days and the days like years. I wasn’t sure I’d ever walk again. I couldn’t get doctors to see me and life was simply a mess. I was on pain medication and quickly driving down the depression road. Have you ever taken that road? It’s not a happy road. So what did I miss? How did I end up traveling down that road? I believe I failed to realize the truth of Psalm 23, one of the most famous chapters in the Bible.
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want (v.1)

This passage is perhaps the most recited passage ever written. We read it when we go to funerals and we read it in church. It is supposed to encourage us, but I fear it has only become a “habit” passage that we read without thinking. I want to propose that this first verse is the main idea of the whole chapter. David writes this first verse and then explains this verse with the following 5 verses.

Today, I want to look at the first verse.

The Lord is my Shepherd (v.1)

In Isaiah 40:11, Jesus is described as one who will tend His flock like a Shepherd. In John 10:14, Jesus is described as the Good Shepherd. Hebrews 13:20 describes Jesus as the Great Shepherd and 1 Peter 5:4 describes Jesus as the Chief Shepherd. I think it goes without saying that Jesus is our shepherd.
What does this mean? Does this mean I’m a sheep? The short answer is “Yes.” If you’ve placed your trust in what Christ did on the cross for you in suffering the penalty for every sin you would ever commit. If this is you, then you’re a sheep.

Sheep need protection, a physician, a guide, and someone to care deeply for them. The shepherd constantly lives with his sheep. This is a simple description of the relationship that Jesus has with those who love Him and follow Him.
Think about it…

The Lord…the Creator of the Universe, the Sovereign King, God’s Son, the Sustainer of our faith interacts with us as a shepherd. I often look at leaders of larger churches and organizations and how they interact with the people they lead. More times than not they fail to lead with a love for their congregation, coworkers, or the Lord. Generally, it is because they have a false view and love for themselves that only increases their desire for popularity and attention-seeking activities.
The Lord Jesus does not rule over us but leads us like a Shepherd.

I shall not want (v.1)

Jesus provides our needs, but not all of our desires. We all have desires that go unmet. When I was in the bed for 6 weeks waiting for God to do something with my back I learned much about myself and the strength of my wife. She cared deeply for my needs and God used her to encourage me in a time of growing discouragement.

What God did for me as I spent 6 weeks in the bed not sure if I would ever walk again was far more than He could have done with my hard-headedness walking around with no worries in the world.

In this verse, David reminds us that it is Jesus who ultimately meets our needs. He does. I have seen Jesus meet my needs and the needs of others so many times. Bills coming due, medical issues, family disagreements, and broken friendships.

Jesus is our Shepherd.

What is your need today? Do you need the patience to interact with a coworker without losing it? Do you need answers to a pressing issue in your life? Do you have financial decisions that require immediate attention? Do you need Jesus to provide spiritual nourishment and encouragement to your weary soul?

I don’t mean to sound so churchy, but many of us are simply weary and need some time with the Shepherd. Do you think you could carve out a few minutes today to spend time with your Shepherd and allow Him to meet your needs? Tell Him your needs and allow Him to do what He does best.

He is our Shepherd.

Some Questions…

1. When is the last time you spent time with Jesus…just you and Jesus? When will you spend time with Him today?
2. Since Jesus does care for you, how can you spend time allowing Him to do this?
3. How does Jesus being your Shepherd help you to overcome discouragement?