I Shall Not Want

Beloved1 Devotional – Psalm 23

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd,
I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your 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.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life, and I will dwell
in the house of the Lord forever.

The first verse of Psalm 23 is, “The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want.”

This verse says that The Lord is MY shepherd. That is the same for anyone reading this verse. God is YOURS!! He is not just for me, or for a pastor, or for your mom, but God is for you! That means that the things he promises and the good gifts he gives to those who are his are for you.

This verse also says that God is our shepherd. But what does that really mean? What does a shepherd do for us? Shepherds are there to protect and take care of their sheep. In the culture that the bible was written in, the shepherd was known to be responsible for the well-being of the sheep. That meant making the environment around them safe.

He is a protector & a provider

When the Psalm says, “He leads me beside still waters.” that symbolizes that when you trust in God, God is ensuring you are safe in your environment and that he will guide you into a safe place.

The next verse says, “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” Green pastures are a place with plenty of food to eat and a place to rest. This is saying that God will provide for the needs we have. He provides that thing that we could not get by ourselves.

Shepherds would also carry around a staff, not to hurt the sheep but to protect them. Many animals would try to attack the sheep, who would be defenseless without the shepherd. So, the shepherd would carry a staff to fight off any animals that want to harm the sheep.

Do You Know Jesus?

God has given us the gift and ability to follow him, to allow him to be our shepherd. If any of this comforted you or challenged you, talk to God about it. We don’t have to speak in some fancy way to hear from God, but we just have to allow him into our lives. Salvation comes from those who repent of what they have done wrong and believe that Jesus died, conquered death, and rose from the dead. Jesus is the son of God, and He came to earth to save all of us from the things that we do that would separate us from God. He loves you so much that He died on the cross for our sins, and then he rose again three days later. Jesus wants to be your safe place, your peace, and He wants to lead and guide your life. He also wants a relationship with you! If you want a relationship with Jesus, the bible says that you have to admit that Jesus is Lord, that he died on the cross and rose again to save you from your sins. Ask Him to come into your life, and I promise He will change your life.

IF YOU DECLARE WITH YOUR MOUTH, “JESUS IS LORD,”

AND BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART THAT GOD RAISED HIM

FROM THE DEAD, YOU WILL BE SAVED.

– ROMANS 10:19

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Human dignity is precious

The feeling of having dignity is in many ways, a constant variable to our sense of self-worth. Jesus’ life and ministry constantly restored a lost sense of dignity to human beings—most often to those who were thought to be less than or written off by society, but even now when he is not here on earth- He does the same for us.

 

As I’m sure we have all experienced, the feeling of dignity is very easily lost. You make a mistake and beat yourself up. Someone accuses you of something you didn’t do. You say the wrong thing and are on the outs with people who previously liked you. You go online and get sucked into the comparison trap. You try to do better but miss the mark you set for yourself and then shame yourself. You start to think that God would never notice, care about or even love someone like you. 

The feeling of having dignity is in many ways, a constant variable to our sense of self-worth. Jesus’ life and ministry constantly restored a lost sense of dignity to human beings—most often to those who were thought to be less than or written off by society, but even now when he is not here on earth- He does the same for us. As I’m sure we have all experienced, the feeling of dignity is very easily lost. You make a mistake and beat yourself up. Someone accuses you of something you didn’t do. You say the wrong thing and are on the outs with people who previously liked you. You go online and get sucked into the comparison trap. You try to do better but miss the mark you set for yourself and then shame yourself. You start to think that God would never notice, care about or even love someone like you. 
Through Christ’s self-giving love for others, people were able to feel like they could reclaim their lives. As those who are so immensely loved by Him, it breaks his heart to see our dignity damaged. Human dignity originates from God and is of God because we are made in God’s own image and likeness as seen in Genesis 1:26-27;

“Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them.”


When we become aware of our own sins and limitations, we have the incredible chance to heal and choose a new life when we discover how Christ comes alive in and through each of us. What this healing means for us is that Jesus, who so personally and compassionately meets us where we are at, heals and restores our dignity. And likewise, in such a personal and intimate way for us, gives himself to us. So, as you think upon the things that make you feel as if your dignity has been ripped from you, offer your heart to His healing. He has come to meet you where you are and gives you Himself completely, He can heal our loneliness and brokenness.  Open your heart to Jesus, simply be there with Him and let God come into you in such a compassionate, loving, personal way, for to God you and I are worth it.