The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.  Psalm 23:3

This doesn’t mean I won’t want for anything.  God is not a ‘fix it’ God.  My spiritual forefathers said ~

We are pressed on every side… 2 Corinthians 4:8

For your sake, we are being killed all day long…Romans 8:36

All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution…2 Timothy 3:11

So, when I’m persecuted ~ I shall not want.  When hungry ~ I shall not want.  When strung out and under pressure ~ I shall not want.  

The phrase before ‘I shall not want. . .’ is the key to the verse.  The Lord is my shepherd.    

I shall not want for a shepherd.   

He is a companion, one who isn’t scared off by adversity.  Unlike the propensity of people, He inches closer as times get tougher.  Though I walk with a thorn in the flesh, I will not want for the grace to bear it.  Jesus is as intimate as I need Him to be.  He’s already given His whole heart and waits for me to invest all of mine. 

Jesus is doing what a Shepherd does.  He is guiding.  He is dispensing grace.  He is counseling and comforting.  He is protecting.   ‘The Lord is my shepherd.  I shall not want.’   Oh, I recite it in the darkness.  Even through my tears. 

Life isn’t perfect yet but my provision of a Savior and constant Shepherd is perfect.  I’m tearfully humble and grateful.  Amen