Monday, May 10, 2010

I Want

I want many things—some altruistic, some necessary, and some selfish. These wants are numerous and would make a very long list. Psalm 23:1 states that I shall not want because the Lord is my shepherd.

“ The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.” Psalm 23:1-3a NKJV

So does that mean that I will get everything I want? Absolutely not. That is not the intent of the verse. Because the Lord is my shepherd, he knows me well. He knows my every want. He knows everything that is in my heart. He knows what is truly a want and what is only a destructive selfish desire. God will provide me with the true wants—what I need for living the abundant life (green pastures and quiet waters). But more importantly, he restores my soul. God not only meets my physical needs, but he also meets my emotional and spiritual needs. My emotional issues of hurt feelings or feelings of lack of love can be met when I am submissive to my Good Shepherd. What a Savior!

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6 NKJV

So what God has for me is much better and more satisfying than what I have for myself. What God has for me is much better than I can accomplish under my own direction and power. He is leading me to the abundant life now and forever. If only I will desire more than anything else to keep my focus on him each moment of each day and not slip into the well ingrained thought patterns of self-direction.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NIV

Lord, thank you for the assurance that you will direct and care for me in any and every situation. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, draw me close to you as I move in submission to you through each and every moment today.

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