Psalm 23:1 “I lack nothing.”
Psalm 23:1b says “I lack nothing.” Does this statement feel true for you? Much of your anxiety might be steeped in a sense of lack or a fear of future lack. You might feel you lack time, money, or energy. You might be lacking in quality relationships, physical health, or knowledge of how to handle certain challenging circumstances. Even if you have enough right now, you may be experiencing anxiety because you are afraid that you won’t have enough in the future. You might have enough money in your bank account to cover this month’s bills, but what about next month’s? Will you have enough to pay for your kid’s college when they graduate in five years? Will you have enough when it is time to retire? You might be very good at identifying areas of potential lack for years into your future.
But Psalm 23 states that we lack nothing. How can this be so? It is because the Lord is our shepherd. Remember from the previous devotional, a shepherd takes care of all his sheep’s needs. When we have the Lord as our shepherd, we truly do not lack.
For one, when we have Jesus, we have the promise of eternal life with him which trumps all areas of lack in our life on earth. But I think that beyond this, we will find that when we lean in to the shepherd, he addresses our areas of lack by showing us he can fill them or sustain us even when we have needs. He may do this supernaturally through miracles or by providing a natural solution to our needs.
In Matthew 14, Jesus feeds well over five thousand people with two fish and five loaves of bread. This was miraculous to be sure. This same Jesus who multiplied a couple of fish and some pieces of bread is the God we serve today. He can take what little you have and multiply it into more than enough.
Look at the story of Hagar in Genesis 21. Stranded in the desert, she was in desperate need of water. As she sat sobbing in the sand, God opened her eyes to a nearby well, saving Hagar and her son Ishmael from dying of thirst. The well was probably there all along, but she was unaware of it until God brought her attention to it. Sometimes we simply need to ask God to make us aware of the solution to our perceived lack.
God knows your needs, and he cares about them. He already has a solution in mind to address any area that you lack.
Don’t shy away from telling him your needs. Let him calm your anxiety as he provides you with peace in knowing he’ll take care of every need you have today, and all your perceived future needs as well.
About the author: Kimberly Kruse is a licensed marriage and family therapist and owner of Clarity Christian Counseling located in Colorado Springs, CO. She is passionate about helping Christian women overcome their anxiety and step into greater emotional well-being. As a Jesus-lover, Kimberly loves having the opportunity to work with clients who desire to integrate their faith into their process of emotional health and healing.
Interested in beginning counseling with Kimberly or her associate, Dr. Julie Edwards? Complete the contact request form here. Counseling is available in person in Colorado Springs, or virtually to clients located anywhere in Colorado or Arizona. Clients in other states may be eligible for virtual therapy as well based on state licensing laws. Feel free to inquire.
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