Underdog Week 3 Monday

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. Psalm 23:1

I will never forget this poem I memorized as a child called “The Robin and the Sparrow” written by Elizabeth Cheney. Here is what it says: “Said the robin to the sparrow, ‘I should really like to know, why these anxious human beings rush about and worry so.’ Said the sparrow to the robin, ‘Friend I think that it must be, that they have no Heavenly Father, such as cares for you and me.’” This poem serves as a reminder to me that I need a provider, and God is that provider. You see, Scripture describes you and I as sheep, and sheep certainly need someone to provide and take care of them. Christ is that provider we need.

David, a shepherd boy turned king, began Psalm 23 with the words “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” Notice the progression of the statements in this verse. Because the Lord was David’s shepherd, he had everything that he needed. In other words, David knew that having God as his shepherd meant total and complete provision for everything he needed. This did not mean David had everything he wanted or hoped to have, but he had everything he needed. He lacked nothing.

David’s perspective of being both a shepherd and a metaphorical sheep bring an interesting depth to Psalm 23. You see, he knew that as a shepherd, he always cared for and gave his sheep what they needed. He must have concluded that if he, an imperfect human, knew how to take care of his sheep, his perfect Heavenly Father also knew how to take care of him and the rest of His sheep. He had confidence in God’s care and provision.

These words penned by David years and years ago are still true for you today. Because the Lord is your shepherd, you have everything you need. Now, this does not mean you have everything you want. It does, however, mean that God has provided each and everything you need. You can trust in His care and provision for you.

MOVING TOWARD ACTION

Pull out your journal or notebook. At the top of your notes, write the phrase “God knows what I need.” Then, journal about what that means specifically to you in your life. How does this reminder that God is a provider give you hope in your own life?

GOING DEEPER

Read Psalm 23:1-6 (NLT)