3-24-2015

Good Morning All,

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

There is a difference in the way we think and the way we should proceed.  Some think one path or method is correct while someone else has a different view.  One example is in how we view the Word of God.  Some see it as a static monograph which only delivers information and thus requires human influence.  Others see the Word of God as alive, active and dynamic.  They recognize it as the creative and re-creative power of God.  Another difference is that some see the Bible as a book of anecdotal information which gives good advice.  Others read it in a different light.  They read it as God speaking to them in a way that will give them comfort, guidance and hope for their life.  They see a difference in just memorizing the Bible for advice and living in a biblical context and understanding.  There is a difference between believing that God’s Word is right and knowing that it is true. 

   So in order to follow this line of thought we look at a very familiar verse from the Bible.  The 23^rd Psalm is among the most read, most memorized and most familiar portion of the Bible.  It is only rivalled by the birth account of Jesus, the Feeding of the 5000, the parable of the Prodigal Son and the resurrection accounts.  Yet some look at this from an entirely spiritual event.  They read it as never in need of another God.  They see it as Jesus being this other-worldly guidance program that will provide for them in the afterlife.  They think that all they have to do is to endure this life and, after they die, everything will be wonderful and they are right to a point.  Everything will be wonderful when we live with Christ.

    Yet this psalm, especially this verse, tells us so much more.  “I shall not want.”  I shall not want for guidance in this life.  God has a plan for you.  He has a plan to prosper you.  We need to listen and more importantly to hear what he is saying and then follow his will.

    I shall not want for renewal.  I am continually renewed and this occurs from the inside out.  It begins with God’s Spirit which dwells within us and seeks to renew us to be new creations in Christ.  This occurs on a continual basis as the active Word of God re-creates us every moment of ever repentant moment.

    I shall not want for courage.  This is especially true as the world bombards us with negative and divisive attacks.  The courage to love ourself is a vital element for our survival here in this life.  Jesus died for you because he loves you.   You are valued by God and you should value yourself.

    I shall not want for joy.  God has promised to bathe us in the oil of joy as he fills our table and an overflowing cup.  Having joy is one of the surest methods of knowing God’s presence.  Through our total surrender to Jesus we will we know his will for us in this life as well as the next.

Gracious Lord, in you we have no wants.  All our needs are met by your loving providence. Guide us by your Spirit and give us peace, joy and the certainty of hope that you desire us to have.  In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret