I’ve had one for as long as I can remember. Usually more than one. A want.
I want a new car. One with fewer miles and a lower monthly payment. I’d like my own home. A place I paid for that no one could take from me. One in the mountains where I could walk outside and see God’s beauty rolling across the mountaintops. I’d also like perfect kids, a decent paying job, good health, a nice investment portfolio, a retirement nest egg, and one each of the latest tech devices.
Looking over the list, I realize I’m still in want. But the psalmist says if God is my shepherd, I won’t want. “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1 KJV).
Modern Bible versions more clearly translate the Hebrew word chacer, which means to lack or be lacking. “The Lord is my shepherd, I have everything I need” (NLT).
And that’s the idea. David provided everything his sheep needed. They may have wanted to eat in dangerous places or drink from polluted water, but he wouldn’t allow it. As a sheep himself, David’s shepherd gave him everything he needed. He lacked nothing.
I have no doubt I’ll die with wants, but not needs. I’ve always had everything required to survive and accomplish God’s plan—and I always will. God promises this to every sheep.
Learning the difference between wants and needs, and what God promises about each, makes for a happier and more focused life. It also prevents anger at God when he doesn’t give us everything we think we need. God is a loving shepherd who knows us intimately.
Worry, anxiety, and fear over things or our future shouldn’t consume our attention.
Let God teach you to live with a “no lack” frame of mind.
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