I Shall Not Want
Psalms 23:1-6
Last week we began to take an in depth look at the 23rd psalms. We mention that God used David, who himself was once a shepherd of his father’s sheep. David is inspired to write of this relationship with the understanding that the LORD is our Shepherd.
Point: The ultimate care of the sheep is placed in the hands of the Shepherd.
In this Shepherd and sheep relationship I…
• Know His Speech
• Acknowledges His Sacrifice
• Grateful for His Security
David would go on and say “I shall not want”; The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
I told you that this was the first entire chapter in the Bible I memorized many years ago, but I did not at first understood this first verse. I read this for the first time and wondered why He did not want the LORD to be his shepherd. Then after carefully considering what was written I realized what David was saying, because the LORD was his shepherd he shall not want.
What David says after declaring the LORD to be his shepherd is very significant concerning our relationship with the LORD.
“I shall not want”
See: Psalms 34:9-10 shall not want any good thing
Then: Psalms 84:11 No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly
As those sheep follow their shepherd there is not a care that he is not aware of and as he leads them he carefully sees that all their necessities are being taken care of.
What does this mean “I shall not want?”
What it does not mean:
a. He will satisfy all my desires
b. I will not face difficulties (There will be times of lack and needs)
c. I will always understand what He is doing
Comment: We as sheep are to simply trust the Shepherd leadership
And: Proverbs 13:25 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his sol, but the belly of the wicked shall want.
Comment: Because the LORD is my shepherd, I will be content
In a world, in which we could easily be led by a system, self or social ideology, God know exactly what we need.
Matt. 6:8 For you Father knoweth what ye have need of before ye ask Him.
While the world’s appetite is never satisfied, we as children of the LORD shall not want, because not only does He provide our every need, He is also all we need.
“I shall not want” I shall not lack the expert care and management of my Master.
Several Things Concerning Contentment:
1. The Deceit Of Not Being Content
Mention: Genesis 3:6 I think back to the beginning in the Bible when the first family had all their needs met, but because of covetousness (The lack of contentment) they were deceived.
Also: The nation of Israel’s behavior during their wilderness journey displayed the lack of trusting the LORD as He led them.
Point: When we are not content, we are saying to the LORD you are not meeting my needs.
2. The Destruction Of Not Being Content
The reason why many sheep wanders away from the shepherd’s care is they perceive there is something better. Obviously for a sheep this is not good.
Mention: Luke 15 The protocol son is a classic case of a discontented sheep
Also: Ruth 1 Elimelech decision to seek greener pasture led to destruction
Don’t be like the wonderful sheep that Phillip Keller writes about that always wondered from the flock and eventually had to have it slaughter.
3. The Defeating Of Discontent
Mention: Phil. 4:11 For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Consider the consequences, and consider the goodness of the Lord
Psalms 100:3-5
