- No Lack
Psalm 23.1
I shall not want.
“Want” is a quaint and beautiful Old English meaning, which is interestingly related to the present day meaning. We may translate, “I have everything I need,” or “I lack nothing.” We can also say, “I really don’t want anything more than my Shepherd has already provided. I am so content with all the blessings He has granted for my care and well being, I can honestly say, ‘I am rich and full; I do not want a thing.’” It would admittedly take some kind of saint to actually believe and say that, but if we really believed the Shepherd and His promises we could say it boldly and proudly.
“Not want” means I have everything needed for the support and wants of the body and soul, that I am not lacking anything needful. But, even more, I am happy about that: “I am content, completely satisfied with everything that I currently have; I don’t want a thing.” Jesus and I may argue about what my wants and needs really are, but He always wins the argument; and so I learn to be content with what I have until He decides in mercy to grant me more.
This unconditional promise stands on the surest of grounds, for it is legitimate deduction from the first sentence (the Lord is my shepherd). I may not know what my earthly lot shall be, but I know what it shall not be: no matter what, no needful blessing for body or soul shall be wanting, neither poverty nor riches. The true riches of godly peace and contentment far surpass pride and ambition. He who is content with everything allotted feels no want.
The Lord, as our Shepherd, elicits confidence. Unbelief deprives us of His blessings. A contented mind is a continual feast. We are enabled to leave everything to God’s judgment and not become our own gods, thinking I know what I need. All is regulated by His unerring wisdom, even the hairs of your head. Leave it all up to Him. You can be master over yourself, even if you cannot be master over your circumstances. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33.