I Have What I Need

​Meditation
Psalm 23:1—The LORD is my shepherd; I have what I need. (CSB)  
 
As I read Psalm 23 for my devotions I was struck in a new way by verse one.  What David declares is very powerful for several reasons.  

1.  God is my shepherd.  What staggering implications fill that declaration.  God is omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient.   The Bible ascribes the attributes of love, grace, mercy, kindness to God and of Jesus, who declared Himself to be our shepherd—gentleness (2 Corinthians 10:1).  Nothing can defeat my shepherd.  Nor can He be surprised.  He is never absent and fully understands every situation in which I find myself.  Combined with this awesome awareness and strength is the exhilarating reality of His ever-present love!
            
Imagine having an army surround you with a full arsenal of weaponry—tanks, missiles, lasers, sensors and full satellite imagery. They employ the best counselors and caretakers to ensure your needs are met.  Their sole purpose is to protect and satisfy you.  Yet what they possess and bring to your life compared to the Creator is a joke.  Their power and discernment cannot satisfy your soul or fill your heart with joy. To have the Lord as your shepherd is all and everything.

2.  I have what I need.  David realized that he lacked nothing because of the leadership of his Father.  This may be the best admission in Scripture of contentment.  

So often I get distracted but what I don’t have.  It is easy to wish for more or better things or circumstances. Yet this undermines the reality that I lack nothing.  What I don’t have cannot measure up to what I cannot lose.  The absence of anything is irrelevant compared to the presence of His sufficiency. To chase or desire on earth what will ultimately burn is ridiculous considering God will fulfill me in His glorious everlasting garden.   Therefore, I should be investing in what pleases Him. My soul is firmly saved in the redemptive power of Jesus.  My heart beats by His providence.  My spirit when aligned with the Holy Spirit rests in the security of His sovereignty. I make mistakes and think improperly. I do things that displease the Shepherd. Yet He forgives me.  He comforts me.   He leads me where I need to go.  I have what I need.  Hallelujah!  

To be content requires recognition.  When I am not gratified it is because I have lost sight of my shepherd. How fortunate that He never loses sight of me.  Something to think about . . . in reveration!
 
Inspiration
When a man hath come to this, that he seeketh comfort from no created thing, then doth he perfectly begin to enjoy God, then also will he be well contented with whatsoever shall happen unto him.—Thomas A Kempis in The Imitation of Christ
 
©2019  Daniel York  ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box. Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.