So the NIV (and many other new translations) translate Psalm 23:1 – “The Lord is my Shepherd, I will have everything I need.” I am sure that I once knew that, but Saturday I heard it as a song lyric and it really struck me. Because I follow Jesus, I don’t need anything! Of course that doesn’t mean I don’t have to work at all; even in the context of Psalm 23, the majority of the sheep walk all day until they reach the green pasture and quiet water. BUT because they follow a shepherd, who is both knowledgeable about the path ahead and watching closely the stress the journey puts on each sheep, they get everything they NEED.
A very natural follow-up question might be, “So is this just an Old Testament promise?”
Actually it’s supported in the very first New Testament book. Remember when Jesus said in Matthew 6, stop worrying about your food or clothes or even your life? Just seek first His Kingdom and all these things will be added to you? Or when He said, ““Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light”?
Hard work isn’t proscribed by the Bible – worry is. So let’s work and, even plan, hard – but let’s leave our tomorrows to Him!
Pastor Scott
Grace Notes 