“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1)

It’s hard to say the words I shall not want on a day like today. It’s been eight years since I heard my daughter’s laugh, saw her big brown eyes, or felt her hug. How can I not be in want when I am desperately missing my daughter?

The only way I can get to that place is because the Lord is my Shepherd.

In this day and age, what do we even know about shepherds? Shepherding is not an occupational choice like it was in ancient times. But David wrote these words from Psalm 23 through personal experience. Back then, wool, milk, and meat from sheep were major commodities. And since fresh pastures were needed for sheep to graze in, men would basically go and live with a flock in the wilderness for long stretches of time. This was no easy task. Imagine being out in the wild for weeks with a bunch of not-so-smart woolly beasts who can’t find their own food or water and have no ability to fight or hide from predators. But bonds would naturally form between the shepherd and his animals as he looked after them, and he would learn to know each individual sheep and its needs.

David knew firsthand what this relationship felt like. And he was willing to acknowledge that he was in the same state of foolishness and dependency as that helpless animal he knew so well. 

Sheep can’t see or understand the big picture. They don’t know what’s best or where to go. Left to their own devices, they will stumble and starve, or worse yet be attacked and eaten alive. On my own in this world of sin and hardship and death, I am at a loss. By my own power, I could never find relief from my sorrow. I could never know contentment and peace. 

But if sheep look to the guidance of their shepherd, they will find pastures full of nice, green grass and streams of cool, clean water. They will eat their fill and feel safe and secure. 

As I have looked to my Shepherd, I have found that even in hard times, He supplies everything I need. Today, I found my heart overflowing as I spent time with my family and we shared our memories of Lexi. God provided such a wonderful pasture of tasty and satisfying grass!

Over time, as we find Him faithful, we will learn to not desire more than what our Good Shepherd gives. When we put our trust in the God who loves and shepherds us, we can sincerely say with David, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.”

(luxwisp.com)