AUG. 10: GOD’S CARE

Focal Passage: Psalm 23:1-6

Many of us grew up quoting the opening of Psalm 23 as, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Modern translations help us understand that David wrote of not being in want, or, as the CSB translates the end of verse one, “I have what I need.” 

In a world consumed by more wants than it has ever known, the psalmist’s words remind us that our true needs are actually very few and that God provides them all! Even in cultures that have a meager subsistence compared to our average lifestyle, God has provided all they have. In fact, believers in the most economically disadvantaged parts of the world understand better than we do that God’s greatest provisions are not material.

The green pastures and quiet waters that top the psalmist’s list of God’s provisions (Psalm 23:2) are not primarily linked to food intake. David did not picture himself as a sheep eating from the pasture or drinking from the waters. Instead he treasured lying down in green pastures and traveling beside quiet waters. These locations represent God’s provisions of peace, rest, and safety that naturally flow from His care for His sheep. These sheep know that temporary needs like food and water have already been arranged by the Shepherd. 

Jesus demonstrated this understanding of the Father’s care when He was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. After a forty-day fast, Satan offered Jesus a fast food meal that only required Him to turn stones into bread. Jesus quickly replied, “Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:3-4). We would expect someone to quote this verse as they kick back in the recliner to read the Bible after a hearty meal, but Jesus was hungry! 

Even when His stomach required nourishment, he knew that food was only food – a basic need God provides for people and animals alike. He would never dishonor His Father and dethrone Himself, especially over something as temporary as food. This God-centered understanding of life is part of the right paths that bring Him glory through His sheep (Psalm 23:3).

David abruptly shifted from his daily needs to life’s most difficult situations (Psalm 23:4). While some readers have taken the translation “valley of the shadow of death” (KJV, ESV) to refer to near-death experiences or death itself, the psalmist wrote more in terms of the things we think might kill us. The loss of loved ones, rebellious children, financial ruin, and many other difficult situations can leave even faithful saints questioning their ability to survive. The Shepherd’s rod and staff comfort us as constant tools of grace for our protection and correction! Even when enemies are nearby, God is feeding and protecting His sheep. His cup of provision is so full that it overflows (Psalm 23:5)!

David teaches us that God’s goodness and faithful love will go with us all our days. No, God is not desperately chasing after us, but He, Jehovah Jireh (“The Lord will provide”), is with us wherever we go! David wanted to prioritize worship in the temple as long as he lived. He didn’t live there, but he knew why he needed to go there regularly. B&R