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 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 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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