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 23rd 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 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 ourselves 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
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