"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." Ah, the famous words from Psalm 23:1.
As a young mom, I had my fair share of baby entertainment equipment scattered around the house. Swings, exersaucers, bouncy seats – you name it, I had it! But let me tell you, my boys were never content for long. Just when I thought I had found the perfect spot to keep them occupied, they would start crying or getting restless. It was like they had a built-in sensor telling them it was time to move on. And you know what always seemed to do the trick? A little hug. Yep, sometimes all it took was a little cuddle session to soothe their tiny souls.
But you know what? Sometimes, us grown-ups can feel that way too. We look around and think there must be something more, something that will make us finally feel content. It's like we have the attention span of a baby in need of an environmental change or a little hug. I pray for heavenly hugs all the time. . . and it’s amazing how God shows up in the smallest details that make me smile. These feelings of frustration, boredom, and emptiness can really throw us off balance. It's as if we're stuck in a pit of discontentment and hopelessness. Not exactly a fun place to be.
But guess what? God is always with us. Seriously, always. He tells us to be joyful and content with what we have and where we are in life. So maybe we shouldn't worry or want more than what God has given us. I mean, if we have a close relationship with Him, then we have everything we need. . . It might just be that hug that changes everything. I'm not saying we shouldn't set goals or strive to be better humans (because let's face it, we all have room for improvement). What I'm saying is, we shouldn't put our hope in something or someone other than our Heavenly Shepherd.
If we're feeling down in the dumps – experiencing depression, despair, loneliness, emptiness, or frustration – then maybe it's time to take a look at where our hope is coming from. It's like that well-known verse in Psalm 23:1 strongly states and sends for encouragement, with God as our Shepherd, we shall not want. Through our faith, we should be able to find contentment and joy right where we are. We shouldn't let anyone or anything else determine the level of happiness in our lives.
In fact, as Philippians 4:11 reminds us, we should learn to be content no matter what circumstances we're facing. Life might not always be a walk in the park (believe me, I know), but guess what? God is all we need during the good times and the bad. So if life isn't going according to plan right now, maybe it's time to cry out to Him and ask what all this chaos is about. Trust me, our God is not a God of disorder – He's all about peace.
So next time you find yourself yearning for something more, remember that you have the best Shepherd in town. And with Him by your side, you truly have everything you need. So embrace the chaos, find contentment wherever your feet may roam, and never forget that you are loved and cared for by the one who created you.
Have you ever felt like a lost sheep, aimlessly wandering around in search of something more fulfilling than your current situation? I know I have! Whether it's my career, my body, my finances, or my friendships, there is always something that seems to be lacking. And boy, do I get impatient with God and myself while waiting for answers and solutions!
Instead of patiently waiting, what do I do? I become a busy bee, trying to solve my discontentment on my own. Or I turn to others, hoping they can fix my problems and bring me satisfaction. But here's the real question: why can't I just be content with what I have? Why do I always feel the need to strive for more and add more to my plate?
In my pursuit of contentment, I turned to God's Word and was led to Psalm 23:1 - "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." Now, don't laugh, but I always wondered why this scripture would tell me that I wouldn't want the Lord as my shepherd. What kind of message is that? But sometimes, we read words or memorize scriptures without truly understanding their meaning. It's like a light bulb that suddenly turns on, and everything makes sense.
So, I decided to dig deeper and understand the true essence of this verse. Turns out, all these years, I've been missing the point! Light bulb moment! If I truly believe that the Lord is my shepherd, then I shouldn't want anything else to find joy in my life. It's about trusting in God's plan and being content with His provision. . . even when it doesn’t make sense, and in the waiting!
During my year off from teaching while battling breast cancer, I prayed fervently for God to show me the perfect job. Not the job I thought I needed, but the one that He wanted me to have. And for the first time, I surrendered my wants and desires, praying that God would use me wherever He saw fit. Let me tell you, that was scary! But after years of trying to do things my own way and failing miserably, I was finally willing to let go and let God take control.
And guess what? God didn't disappoint! He led me to some incredible educators and students who stole my heart. My position was later cut due to budget constraints, but I now understand that it was all part of His plan for that season of my life. Sure, there are times when I don't understand why certain things or people come and go, but I have faith that God's plan is perfect.
So, if you ever feel like a lost sheep, searching for something more, remember this: God has a plan for you. Surrender your wants and desires, trust in Him, and be content with what you have. Who knows? You might just find joy in the most unexpected places. And hey, thank goodness God doesn't give up on us and is patient with our wandering hearts. After all, we're all just human, trying to make sense of this crazy thing called life.
True Contentment is Found in Trusting the Good Shepherd:
1. Make the Lord your Shepherd by trusting His provision in every situation of your life. But seriously, why not just let Him take the wheel and stop trying to do life on your own? I mean, imagine the relief of no longer having to navigate the twists and turns on your own! With the Lord as your Shepherd, you can truly be content while resting and finding peace in His wise navigation skills. Trust me, it's way better than relying on your own questionable sense of direction.
Psalm 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want".
2. Oh, the great Shepherd! Not only does he take care of your resting needs, but he's also got you covered when it comes to food, drink, and restoration. Talk about all-in-one service! And if that wasn't enough, he'll even guide you on your path, making sure you don't veer off in the wrong direction. A true multitasker, this Shepherd of ours!
Psalm 23:2-3: "He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
3. Know that your Shepherd is always by your side, faithfully guiding and supporting you through every high and low. He understands your fears and provides comfort, standing as a mighty warrior against your enemies. He shields you from the troubles that surround us in this broken world. Take solace in Psalm 23:4-5, which assures us that even in the darkest valleys, we need not fear because He is with us. His presence brings comfort, and He prepares a feast for us even in the presence of those who oppose us. He pours out blessings upon us, filling our cups to overflowing. Trust in your loving Shepherd, for He will never leave nor forsake you.
Psalm 23:4-5: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."
4. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life, for you are loved by the Shepherd. His love and mercy are freely given to you, without any need for you to earn or strive for them. Remember the comforting words from Psalm 23:6, "and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." This verse is a beautiful reminder that you are always in the presence of the Shepherd, who is guiding and protecting you.
In times of struggle or doubt, remember that you are never alone. The Shepherd's love is unconditional and everlasting. He is with you through every step of your journey, offering comfort, strength, and guidance. Trust in His unwavering love and know that goodness and mercy will be by your side always.
Take comfort in the assurance that you have a place in the house of the Lord, both in this life and in the eternal realm. The Shepherd has prepared a dwelling place for you, where you can find peace and rest. No matter what challenges may come your way, have faith that you are never too far from the embrace of the Shepherd.
Hold on to these promises and let them fill your heart with courage and hope. Embrace the knowledge that you are deeply cherished by the Shepherd, and that His love will never leave you. Your journey may have its ups and downs, but remember that goodness and mercy will faithfully accompany you, strengthening and guiding you every step of the way.
So, dear one, take heart and find reassurance in the everlasting love of the Shepherd. You do not have to earn His love and mercy; they are freely given to you. Rest in the knowledge that you will always be with the Shepherd, experiencing His goodness and mercy throughout your entire life and for all eternity.
Psalm 23:6: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
5. Pray to Your Shepherd. . .
Dear Lord, I pray for all of us who struggle with contentment. Help us to keep You at the forefront of everything we do, guiding our steps and leading the way. May our minds never stray from You, for we do not want to yearn for more. We accept You as our Shepherd, and we desire to be content and live life at a healthy pace while following You.
You are our Shepherd, and we are grateful for Your constant watchfulness over us, even when we try to navigate life without You. As we continue on this journey, may we always be part of someone else's solution, while You provide the steps and the direction that lead to the ultimate resolution.
Thank You, Lord, for Your immense love and guidance. Help us to trust in You completely and find contentment in every moment. Amen.
Today's Journal and Reflection: Do you truly accept God as your Shepherd? In which areas of your life are you presently endeavoring to shepherd yourself? Are you presently seeking something or someone to bring contentment and happiness into your life? How does Psalm 23:1-6 provide you with solace? Which verses within Psalm 23:1-6 do you need to delve into more deeply in order to place complete trust in your Shepherd and find contentment in your current circumstances?
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