Sam’s Club and Costco Wholesale sell items in bulk to businesses and individuals ensuring them their supplies and household items are stocked for a long time. When items are purchased, the consumer has in mind the product is going to last for an extended period of time, which translates into fewer trips to the store to restock. Depending on the item and the buyer, some items could last months and years before being replaced. The concept of these warehouses is to make sure the consumer is supplied for a very long time, so they will not worry about being in need. Our physical need is not the only thing that has to be supplied, but our spiritual needs as well. The good news is that the Lord is our shepherd.
The shepherd motif is common to the Lord throughout the bible. We are seen as sheep, and the Lord is our shepherd. In other words, the Lord is our caregiver and provider who protects, and guides us through life. The Lord is our shepherd and because of that we shall not want. We shall not want anything that is good and necessary for us. We should have confidence in knowing that we are supplied. The Lord provides our physical and spiritual needs in which we can be content. There is no doubt that the Lord will always provide what we need, but we should never expect the Lord to always provide what we want. There is a difference between wants and needs. A want is something desired, it could be a craving but it is not always a necessity. A need is a requirement, something necessary in order to fulfill that which I’m in need of. I may “want” a new car, but that does not mean that I “need” a new car.
David, the writer of this psalm was encouraged and confident in the fact that the Lord is our shepherd, who assures His children that they are supplied with every good gift that comes from above. Life is made easier when we know and understand that the Lord provides for us. A worry-free life can be lived knowing that our caregiver knows what we need. Thank the Lord that we are His sheep, and that we are supplied.
Scriptural Challenge: What have you brought before the Lord lately? Distinguish between your wants and needs.
Shad Comeaux is a native of Port Arthur, TX. Shad earned his bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Texas A&M University, his Master’s Degree in City and Regional Planning from the University of Texas at Arlington, and pursuing a Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Shad is licensed he and his family have been members of the Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Houston where he teaches Sunday School and Discovery classes. Shad and his wife Carranda have been married for over seven years. They have a daughter, Carsyn, and son, Shad Elijah.
