There are many things we will look to for satisfaction and contentment...and they aren’t necessarily evil things.
A good day’s work
A well-prepared meal
Accomplishing a long sought after goal
A nice car, house, or clothes
A family that is at peace
A job that is fulfilling and rewarding
We could list many other things, but the point is none of these things offer the satisfaction and contentment that we really desire! In fact, people will often think they have found the contentment they so long for in any number of things, but after a short period of time they are restless once again! Where is the source of that true satisfaction and contentment that lasts?
The hymn writer put it this way:
All my life long I had panted; for a draught, from some clear spring, That I hoped would quench the burning; of the thirst I felt within
Feeding on the husks around me, till my strength was almost gone. Longed my soul for something better, only still to hunger on.
Poor I was, and sought for riches, something that would satisfy, But the dust I gathered round me, only mocked my soul’s sad cry.
Hallelujah! I have found Him! Whom my soul so long has craved! Jesus satisfies my longings. Through His blood I now am saved.
The hymn writer put it that way and the Psalmist puts it this way: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want!
The Scope of the Phrase
The phrase “I shall not want” is a very bold statement indeed! We could read this passage with this understanding, “Since the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want!”
What exactly is meant in saying, “I shall not want?” There is a much broader meaning than we would first imagine. Yes, the main concept is that of not lacking in proper care or management. However, a second emphasis is the idea of being utterly contented in the Good Shepherd’s care and consequently not craving or desiring anything more.
I remember when our last child, Mark, no longer had a pacifier. When he went to bed at night there is one thing that he found great security in: his soft green blanket. No other blanket would do. It had to be that blanket. He didn’t look for another blanket; he didn’t want another blanket. He wanted his green blanket.
It is the same with the one who sees the Lord as His shepherd – none other will do! He looks for no other, and no other can replace His shepherd – when that shepherd is the Lord!
The History Behind the Phrase
Now consider David’s history, which gives significant context to this phrase, “I shall not want.” This is really a strange statement for David to make, humanly speaking, if we think purely in physical and material needs. Think about these historical facts…
He had been hunted like an animal by Saul
He had been hunted as well by his own son
He had known intense deprivation and poverty
He had experienced hardship and anguish of spirit
Here is a key understanding: “lack of need.” It is absurd to assert on the basis of this statement that the child of God, the sheep in the Shepherd’s care, will never experience lack of need. In fact, Job, Elijah, John the Baptist, and our Lord Himself all experienced great personal deprivation and adversity. The Lord Himself, while on this earth, said, “In this world ye shall have tribulation—but be of good cheer – I have overcome the world!” (Jn. 16:33)
Here is another key understanding: The assertion that if a man or woman is prospering materially is a significant mark of the blessing of God upon their lives – is simply not certain. It could be true (Job after his trial of faith) …or it could be false (the rich man of Luke 12 who needed to build bigger barns).
Revelation 3:17, “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked…”
Mark 10:21 – Jesus made clear to the rich young ruler who wished to become His follower as well, “One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor…and come…follow me.”
In other words, based on the teachings of the Bible we can only conclude that David was not referring to material or physical poverty when he made the statement, “I shall not want.”
We need to take a good hard look at our lives and realize that the Lord may choose to entrust to us hardships (experiencing lack of wealth or material benefits), but we are to remember that this time is merely a brief interlude. Yet in the midst of that hardship the believer can still say, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” How is that possible?
The Significance of the Phrase
To grasp the significance of this simple statement, it is necessary to understand the difference between belonging to the good Shepherd or an imposter. It is the Good Shepherd who will care for you and meet your needs…but be careful to distinguish between what is comfortable and what is good for me…make certain to understand the difference between needs and wants, as well… and don’t forget the difference between unwanted pressure (but needed) and too much pressure. My needs and what is good for me — these are those that the Good Shepherd will keep in good supply!
Each year on the fourth of July the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Company sponsors a hot dog eating contest. In 2013 Joey Chestnut won the competition for the seventh year in a row, setting a new record by eating 69 hot dogs and buns in just ten minutes. The second runner up “only” managed to eat 51. According to news reports, Chestnut received a prize of $10,000 for his eating performance and consumed over 20,000 calories during his eating spree.
Few of us are in danger of eating seventy hot dogs in one day, let alone nearly seven a minute for ten minutes straight. And yet we live in a world where “enough” is never enough. Many people devote their lives to acquiring wealth and possessions, living with a focus only on the temporal. As a result, rather than living in contentment, they live in a perpetual state of dissatisfaction. They struggle to get the latest and biggest and newest toys and rarely enjoy a moment of peace. (Source: Forbes.com, July 4, 2013)
2 ROOTS OF CONTENTMENT
1. Relationship.
Our connection with Jesus must be understood as more than mere religion or a connection with a perfect supernatural being. There must be genuine relationship with God…and as with every relationship, we must “exercise” the relationship to keep it in good condition.
2. Reflection.
Our mind is a major player on the journey to contentment. The reason is: our mind fuels our hearts, and our hearts fuel our choices…and choices form our character. The root is in the mind. If we spend our time reflecting on lies, we will find ourselves horribly discontent! Consider these 6 possible lies in our lives:
…that sin isn’t that big of a deal
Jesus died for my sin. It is a big deal.
…everyone is doing it
Elijah had the same thought process. God corrected Elijah and said he had 100’s of prophets still faithful to Him.
…this choice is who I am…deal with it
It is true that our flesh is natural; however, the believer is the temple of the Holy Spirit. We are commanded to be Spirit-filled (Eph. 5:18). Spirit-filled looks like: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and temperance (Gal. 5:22-23).
…more money would make me happy
Money is needed to for daily living; however, the love of money is the root of all evil (I Tim. 6:10) and no where in scripture does it declare that if you want to be happy, get more money. It does say, however, “the joy of the LORD is my strength,” (Neh. 8:10) and that it is God who fills us with joy and peace (Rom. 15:13).
…the Bible is out of date or incorrect
The Bible is God’s Word. God is eternal. Perfect. For the Bible to be incorrect would mean God is incorrect.
…worshipping God with other believers in a local church setting is optional
The local church is God’s idea. The New Testament is written to local churches. God gave qualifications for church leadership (pastors and deacons) and instructions for church families. God gave commands for us not to forsake the “assembling of ourselves together” (Heb. 10:24) and with that assembling to stir each other up towards love and good works (Heb. 10:24). To say church is optional, would mean to say whatever God says is optional (if I deem it so).
The one who is able to say, “Since the Lord is my shepherd I shall not want,” has willingly placed himself under God’s care and he knows it! He has entrusted himself to Christ’s control and found contentment!