"The Lord Is My Shepherd, I Shall Not Want" (Psalm 23:1).

These are very strong and bold words for a person to make! Evidently, these are the words of a sheep that's completely and totally satisfied with its Shepherd, utterly satisfied with its lot in life! The words (Psalm 23:1) imply that the person who is without the Lord as Shepherd is in want of satisfaction and contentment! An examination of the word "want," as used in this passage, has a broad meaning. The main idea is that of not being deficient in proper management or care! Praise God forevermore! Let those words take root in your heart! Another meaning of the word "want," carries the idea of being totally contented in the care and management of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, which results in not desiring or craving anything more! In the Christ follower's relationship with the Lord God, this is where He wants us to be. What this passage is not saying is that the Christ follower, the sheep in the Shepherd's care will never experience lack! A reading of Philippians 4:11-13 confirms this! One of the fallacies that's too common among Christ followers today is the belief that if a person is prospering materially it's proof of the blessing of God on that person's life. Or, if the person does not have an abundance of money, that God is not blessing! Nothing is further from the truth! It's for this reason the Christ follower must take a long hard look at life from the Lord's perspective. David was not referring to material or physical poverty when he spoke the words, "I shall not want." The Christ follower has to understand and embrace that the sojourn on this earth is but for a moment during which there may well be some privation in a physical sense. But, in the midst of such hardship, we can still boast, "I shall not want" because I have the excellent management and care of the Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ!! This is the life of satisfaction and contentment! This is the life of the sheep who are not in want of the proper care and management of the Shepherd. Only Jesus can satisfy! Your move. Be encouraged!