I Shall Not Want – Study Session I
For the next six weeks we are going to walk with David through Psalm 23.
Never before have David’s words been more relevant and needed.
To understand David’s writings we must become acquainted with him.
In David’s lifetime, he was overlooked and underestimated. He was imperfect, envied, betrayed and exalted. He was a writer, shepherd, father, warrior and a king. He knew pain, struggles, failures, frustration, sin and shame.
Within the six scriptures of Psalm 23 we find hope, strength and an understanding of a doting Father’s unconditional, unending love.
Like Christ, David too was a shepherd and understood that shepherds are protectors, providers and caretakers of their flock seeing to it their needs are daily met.
“The Lord is my Shepherd” places Christ in control of us His sheep, the most vulnerable of all animals.
As long as Christ is our Shepherd we “shall not want” knowing “The Lord bestows favor and honor, no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” Ps 84:11
Christ knows “My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me.” John 10:27
We can either follow the world or we can follow the Shepherd who reminds us that “The thief comes only in order to steal, kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” John 10:10 AMP
Satan’s purpose is to destroy while Jesus’ purpose is to bring joy and the abundant life, not subject to circumstance but guaranteed in spite of them.
The negative news that tries to throw us into panic worrying if there’s enough to go around is a poor attempt from Satan to shipwreck our faith and put a spirit of fear in us, a spirit God never created or intended us to have.
No one is immune to fear and all of us at some point experience fear. I do.
Fear is the most powerful tool in Satan’s arsenal. It is the weapon he uses to steal our faith, kill our hopes and destroy our belief in our Shepherd.
I have to remind myself daily that “God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power, love and self control (sound mind).” 2 Tim 1:7 otherwise fear would paralyze me emotionally and spiritually.
And when things look bleak I remind myself that if God can provide quail, manna, water, guidance and protection for His children in a dry, hot desert then He can provide for our needs during this isolated wilderness we are now in.
Today we choose to “walk by faith and not by sight” regardless of what our eyes see and our ears hear. 2 Col 5:7.
The enemy’s goal is to throw our faith into a tailspin assuming we don’t know that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Ps 46:1. He mistakenly believes we aren’t aware that “You, O LORD, are a shield about me . . .” Ps 3:3
He would be wrong. Make no mistake, Satan is not stupid but make no mistake he is not in control.
He bows to the same Lord we do. “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the God the Father.” Phil 2:10-11
David knew “You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” Ps 145:16.
God’s hand is open and filled with all we need which is why “we shall not want.”
God knows your needs, spiritually, financially, physically and emotionally.
He promises “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isa 46:4
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1. Over the course of this next week let’s become acquainted with David by reading 1 Samuel 16 through 1 Kings 2:12. Witness his victories and defeats, his losses, sins and struggles. Get to know his family, friends and his faith because only until you know David’s story can you appreciate his writings in the Psalms.
2. David looked to the Lord to meet his needs, trusting he “would not want” and He will meet yours as well. Study then stand on the promises found in Philippians 4:19
3. In Philippians 4: 4 -7 Paul gives four powerful, effective spiritual components that when combined bring PEACE.
They are: PRAISE, PRAYER, PETITION (requests, needs, wants, goals, desires) and THANKSGIVING.
Isaiah 25:1 proclaims “Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.”
Praise brings His promises of provision and healing – “Worship the Lord your God, and His blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you.” Exodus 23:25
David said “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests (petition) before you and wait expectantly.” Psalm 5:3
If possible, take a moment to write down your petitions then praying in faith ask and believe you will receive them. Lay them down at His feet and leave them.
Then give thanks for His countless blessings, mercy, compassion, patience, forgiveness, grace and kindness He has shown you over the years; for every time He showed up on your behalf and right on time.
“The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want.” Psalms 23:1
ADDITIONAL READINGS
- Ephesians 6:20
- 1 Peter 5:7
- Matthew 7:7
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