Sometimes I have trouble distinguishing between what I want and what I need. I don’t see myself as a greedy person, but needs and wants do confuse me. When I have a choice between two products, do I choose the more expensive one only because I want it or because it is a better purchase in the long run? When I purchase a new item, am I thinking about my needs or does this shiny new thing just attract my baser desires? I want a cookie, but I really need an apple.
Psalm 23:1 says, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” This verse is so familiar to us that we can miss some of its meaning. As our Shepherd, God promises to provide our needs, but not necessarily everything that we want. The word “want” in the verse means a lack of what is needed, not just a desire. Also as our Shepherd, God protects us from dangers that we see and even the ones that are unseen by us. Because He provides and protects, He also removes our anxieties and fears.
However, to receive these blessings from God we must be His sheep. That begins with trusting in Jesus for salvation and redemption. We must invite Him to become our Savior and Lord, and then we become His sheep and He becomes our Shepherd. As His sheep, we only need to listen to His voice and follow Him to receive His provision, protection and security.
Reluctant Retiree 