I Shall Not Want — The Rest of Psalm 23

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1) David does not say "I have everything." He says "I shall not want." The Shepherd may not give the sheep everything they crave, but He supplies everything they truly need. Green pastures and still waters are the Shepherd's chosen path; sometimes the valley of deep shadow is His chosen path too. Notice the turn in verse 4: the first three verses say "He," but in the valley it becomes "You are with me" — the darker it gets, the closer the relationship draws. The rod drives off wolves; the staff hooks back wandering sheep. Protection and discipline are both love. What lack are you fearing today? Set it inside this sentence: The LORD is my shepherd. Prayer: Lord, You are my shepherd. I hand You today's needs and the valley ahead; give me rest in You. Amen.