I lack nothing.
Have you ever heard a bunch of kids brag about their dads? They’ll say, "My daddy is the strongest in the world." Or “My dad can do anything!”
When you’re a kid, the world is your playground, and your parents are heroes. Life is simple. But as we get older and reality sets in, it can be much harder to look at life or people with childlike wonder.
When we read Psalm 23, it sounds almost like a fairytale:
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake. – Psalms 23:1-3 NIV
From these words, it may seem that David wrote this Psalm when he was young, living the peaceful life of a shepherd boy surrounded by green hills and gentle streams.
However, although King David's age at which he wrote each psalm is not recorded, scholars assume it was likely during his kingship that he wrote Psalm 23.
By then, David had endured various trials, persecution, deep pain, betrayal, life-threatening situations and even the loss of a child, something I can relate to.
Yet, despite all of this, he declares: “I lack nothing” (Psalms 23:1).
David knows that God’s provision and guidance don’t mean the absence of troubles or perfect circumstances at all times. It means that even amid life’s storms and trials, God leads us beside quiet waters, guides us along right paths and refreshes our souls (Psalms 23:2-3).
Would you pray with me?
Heavenly Father, thank You that, like David, You make me lie down in green pastures, lead me beside quiet waters, and refresh my soul for Your name’s sake. Thank You that You are the perfect Shepherd and I get to be Your sheep. In Jesus’ name, amen.
