“I lack nothing.” Hummm…well, I am willing to bet that the majority of us would have claimed that to be a true statement for ourselves just a few weeks ago. But, today? Today may be a different story. Today, we may hear:
-
“I lack the skills (and patience!) to homeschool my kids.”
-
“I lack the job that was once so secure but was just laid off.”
-
“I lack the freedom to visit my parent in the nursing home.”
-
“I lack the joy of seeing my high schooler enjoy the remainder of his senior year.”
-
“I lack basic necessities that were once in abundance.”
“I lack nothing.” In light of our current reality, these three words may ring hollow for us. But, let’s remember that they comprise the second half of an important statement: “The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing.” Because I follow Jesus, I lack nothing. Because my God is my provider, I lack nothing. God assures us over and over that He will care for us. Will He always care for us in such a way that we would hope or design? No; that is clear. But, He will care for us. (Matthew 6:31-32; Romans 8:32; Phil 4:19)
Now, let’s consider the second part of today’s passage: “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” What kind of sheep lies down in a plush, plentiful pasture? One who is full. One who has eaten until content enough to lie down and rest. One who is able to close its eyes, knowing that the shepherd who has earned its trust will care for and protect it through the night. Yesterday, we described a good shepherd as one who nurtures, guides, and protects. When we imagine a sheep lying in green pasture, it is clear that this sheep lacks nothing.
The other night I found myself wide awake at 3:30am. Before I knew it, my mind was weighted with worry. As if there were an uncontrollable ping pong ball bouncing around, my thoughts raced:
-
“What if one of my loved ones gets sick?”
-
“What about the national economy? Can it rebound?”
-
“What if we can’t pay our bills?”
-
“Will my sons succeed at online learning?”
-
“When will this end?”
Then, thankfully, the beginning words of Psalm 23 came to mind. And, I comically imagined myself as a stuffed sheep cozied into a bed of plush grass, flopped over on its side with her belly so full that her top legs stuck straight into the air. I imagined Jesus beside me- not as a cheesy shepherd with winged hair gripping a staff. But, as my Good Shepherd, one who I could trust because He’s never failed me yet. He’s never stopped nurturing, guiding, and protecting me. We have a God who never sleeps, so there’s no need for both of us to stay awake. So, channeling my inner plump sheep, I fell asleep counting my “green pastures”:
-
quality time with my family
-
good books to read
-
a job that I love
-
technology that allows me to connect with loved ones
-
shelter, food, and running water
-
beautiful spring weather
To leave you with an additional connection to consider personally…
John 6:35: “Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry.'”
In light of what we are learning from Psalm 23, how does this verse speak to you?
This part of the Psalm could not be more relevant during this time. It is God gently shifting our perspective on what we truly need. He promises to provide. Our priorities are not the same as His. The verse, He makes me lie down in green pastures….that is exactly what is happening in the entire world right now. Not many people will willingly clear their schedules. We are all so “busy” yet we keep going at a break neck speed. We’ve all been forced to lie down in green pastures and see what God values as important and necessary
Oh, I love this! Yes, it’s quite clear that we are being “made” to lie down…and it’s a gift. Great point!
Love this! I see the green pastures as contentment, or when I choose to followGods plan, not mine. My plan usually leaves me reeling in anxiety and fear or shame; not exactly the environment I believe he would choose for me.
What a great image, Dana! The pastures we make for ourselves are always less than God’s perfect one for us. I picture a pasture with spotty, dead grass and weeds. So far from His best for us!
Why worry about lack when this verse is a clear covenant promise! God will not only supply our needs according to His riches in glory but He has our wants covered too. What a mighty ( ability to do anything) God we serve.
He is incredibly generous! 🙂
He takes care of our needs and satisfies our soul. We may hunger for temporary “needs”, but He ultimately knows what we really need and will provide.
Yes! It makes us wonder…something that we consider a “need”, but we don’t have it…does that mean God doesn’t consider it a need for us?
Our Shepherd is not only our provider, but He leads us to a particular place, carved out for us…not only is He telling us what we need and allowing it, but He takes us there and “maketh” us lie down in it. I have always said that sometimes God can whisper an instruction, and sometimes (like most parents) He has to raise His voice a little. Praise God for His persistence with me!
I love this, Amanda! He knows us so well that He knows just how to communicate with us. And, I love your analogy of a parent. I know my two sons and communicate differently with them. Thank you for sharing your insight!