Welcome back to our study on Psalm 23! Today we’ll be looking at a small but important phrase. The phrase is “I shall not want.” (v. 1b) Our focus this week will be on our needs being met.

 

I shall not want (NKJV, KJV, NASB, NRSV, ESV, Amplified)

I Lack Nothing (NIV)

I have all that I need (NLT)

I have everything I need (NCV, GNT)

He cares for me always (The Voice)

I don’t need a thing (the Message)

I will never be in need (CEV)

 

 

 

What Does “Not Want” Mean?

 

It means all of our needs will be richly supplied by the Lord who is our shepherd. (Philippians 4:19)

It also means that we will learn to become content with all that the Lord gives us. (Philippians 4:10-13)

 

First, we like sheep have many needs – needs that God has promised to take care of (Matthew 6:25-33 NLT).

 

 

Food	Green pastures to eat (v2)
Water	Still waters to drink (v2)
Rest	Green pastures to lay in (v2)
Shelter/protection	His presence – nothing to fear (v4) His rod protects and comforts (v4)
Constant Care	Prepares a table (v5) Pours healing oil on their wounds (v5) Fills their cup to overflowing (v5).
Guidance	He leads (v2 and 3)

 

Sheep instinctively know that the shepherd will take care of them.

 

Jesus as Our Shepherd provideses us with everything we need – which includes strength to live by, hope to continue and peace that passes understanding.

 

Provision	We have all that we need (v1b)
Peace	We have rest for the weary journey (v2)
Protection	We have safety from our enemies (v4 and v5)
Providence	We have guidance in times of confusion (v4)
Presence	We have a companion when the way is lonely (v4)
Paradise	We have an eternal home awaiting us. (v6)

 

 

A question that is frequently asked is — What about those who are hungry? How does God take care of them?  

 

God takes care of them through the abundance that He has given others. We are expected to share our abundance with others.

 

2 Corinthians 9:6-11 — ⁶ Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. ⁷ Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸ And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. ⁹ As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” ¹⁰ Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. ¹¹ You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

 

We can all think of times where God asked us to give from our abundance to others and when others have had to share from their abundance with us.

 

 

Conclusion:

 

God does and will provide everything that we need. (Matthew 6:25-33)

 

God goes above and beyond the physical to also provide for our spiritual needs:

We have no need to be anxious. (Philippians 4:6 and 19).

We can have His peace. (John 14:27)

We can have comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:4).

We can have a mind that operates with power, love and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).

In fact, God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).

 

 

How could our lives be different, knowing that God provides us with everything we need?

Are we able to trust God completely — because of His presence and His provision?

Psalm 84:12 – Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.

 

 

What is holding you back from trusting God fully?

Share your answer in the comment box below.