I Lack For Nothing, What A Wonderful Statement

One of the Bible verses I shared this week was from the 23rd chapter of Psalms. When I read the verse, I was immediately drawn to it. I read it repeatedly, and it has popped into my head many times since then.

Psalms 23:1

¹ The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

Take a few minutes to let this verse sink in. This is the NIV version of the verse, but the King James version is how I grew up reading it.

Psalms 23:1

¹ The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

While the two versions have the same intent and mean the same thing, the KJV translation confused me. King David was a shepherd boy before he became king, and tending sheep was what he knew best. He took care of his sheep, keeping them safe from any predators that might be lurking around. He also led them to different pastures where they could find lush green grass to eat. And finding streams with fresh water would have been his priority to ensure his sheep had plenty of water to drink.

When David referred to the Lord as HIS shepherd, I understood that he referred to the Lord as his provider and protector. Everything he (and us, too) had was because of the Lord’s generosity. But…how do you not want for anything?

The last part of the KJV verse is what confused me. I’ve always had plenty, but I still want to strive for more. I’m content with what I have, but I still want to improve myself and others. Did this verse mean that I shouldn’t ever strive for more or have desires?

Deuteronomy 2:7

⁷ The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything.

In Deuteronomy, the word lacked was used to show that even through some of the hardest trials, the Lord provided, and the people lacked for nothing. Their needs were met, they were protected from their enemies, and the Lord was with them.

Remembering that everything good comes from the Lord is important. Striving for more isn’t a bad thing; otherwise, we might never improve ourselves and others. We can rest easy in knowing and trusting in the Lord since he knows what we need. And, never forget to be grateful for what the Lord has provided because we genuinely lack for nothing…

To God Goes The Glory!

Have A Blessed Day!