In Him We Lack Nothing

Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Today's Psalm is a very familiar one. It is typically read at funerals. However, this Psalm is very much for the living. The very first verse reminds us that our Savior provides us with everything we need. If we have Jesus, we will want for nothing, in this life, or the next, for in Him we have it all. In Him, and no one else, we have life eternal. King David paints a wonderful picture of rest and care, under the watchful eye of the Lord, in verses 2 and 3. Then it appears to take a turn, as life typically does; and we find ourselves in "the valley of the shadow of death". Yet, even being in this dark, dangerous valley, we still have all that is promised in the first three verses, as we are told that the Lord is with us, in this verse, while we pass through the dark times of life. There is never a time when we find ourselves alone in the dark valleys of life. Jesus is still the Shepherd who guides us, protects us, continues to provide for us, and gives us the peace and confidence we need, in order to continue marching forward. One of the greatest blessings of walking through dark times is the opportunity that exists for Jesus to use the valley as an occasion to use His rod of discipline, in order to draw us closer to Himself. He will use the dark times to teach us that His ways are better than our ways. He will teach us to trust Him in the face of danger, and the attacks of our enemies. In the end, He leads through the valley, right before the eyes of those who seek to do us harm. He blesses us and frustrates the plans of the wicked. Today, let us not view this Psalm as one reserved for the dead, and a time of mourning. Instead, let us read it as a celebration of life; a life of companionship, intimacy, and fellowship with the Shepherd, who watches over, protects, provides, and cares for His sheep, like no one else can or will do. Praise be to our Shepherd, in Whom we lack nothing at all.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).