David begins his Psalm 23 with a bold statement: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” He was a man of incredible faith. He knew great trials and tribulations. He spent years on the run for his life; many of which with a band of warriors in the hundreds. He battled huge armies. Yet he knew the Lord would always provide. It certainly stretches my faith! How is God so faithful?
RELEVANCE
David appreciated God’s goodness. One thing David was familiar with was the story of how God provided for the children of Israel during the forty in the wilderness. He knew that “he who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack. Every man had gathered according to each one’s need” (Exodus 16:18).
Paul was familiar with this as well. He quoted the very scripture in addressing the Corinthian church. He also taught the Philippians, “my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever” (Philippians 4:19-20).
I believe the key is God’s glory. He wants to be glorified in and through us. I have found that as long as we walk faithful to giving God ALL the glory He will not fail to meet our needs (which are different than our wants). He is faithful to His testimony. It’s all about Him—our Lord.
REFLECT AND RELATE
How do you discern and distinguish your needs vs. wants?
How do you express gratefulness and give Him all the glory?
REFERENCES
Matthew 6:8; 13:1-52; Luke 12:22-34