Day 17
Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”
This has been my 2020 year-of-chaos verse! It has kept me going when I thought I might lose all hope or sanity. Consider this: The LORD; the King of all creation; the One who spoke all things into being; the Maker of Heaven and Earth; the One before whom angelic beings worship day and night - this LORD is my Shepherd! Holy cow, man. This is just the most incredible and edifying idea to ever enter into the hearts of mankind.
He is my Shepherd. He feeds me, watches over me, runs off my attackers, nurtures my body, and restores my soul. He even prepares a feasting table for me in the very presence of my enemies. Truly, I. Lack. Nothing. “I look to the hills” the psalmist says, “where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord; the Maker of heaven and earth.” Man, I love this!
Do you understand that you lack nothing? You most certainly do not have everything you want, if you are like me. But you do have everything you need. And, more than that, you are kept and provided for by the very King of all the universe. There is no thing, no person, and no force that can overcome Him. And, this gracious King invites you to live in this promise: Ask for whatever you want, in His Name, and He will give it to you. Now I don’t fully understand this, but I do know that we completely under-utilize this resource.
One day I think we will stand in heaven and say something like, “Oh dude! I left so many resources from God on the table and I worried needlessly over so many things!!” Let’s try and boldly ask of our King for all that we need and let’s allow Him to demonstrate His glory and power by providing them.
Today, reflect on this:
Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd and my sheep know my voice.” Do you recognize the voice of your Shepherd? Practice listening for His voice today and develop a listening ear during the fast.
Who do you know that could use an encouraging word from the Good Shepherd today? He speaks to us through His people, so you can be that voice. Pick someone and deliver a word from the Shepherd to them.
If you had to guess one thing the Shepherd has been trying to tell you - one thing He is eager for you to understand - what is it? Be still and be quiet and give this serious thought. Ask Him to help you hear the one thing He most wants to tell you. Write it down.
Spend a few minutes listing all the things the Shepherd is providing for you. Give thanks for them and rejoice in His faithfulness.