I make certain you always have everything you need.

That is a paraphrase of Psalm 23:1 from a YouVersion Bible app devotional I recently read called “God’s Promises for the Hungry Heart.”  The devotional paraphrases four verses each day to make them more personal and relatable.  That sentence jumped out at me, but not because it resonated.  It jumped out at me because I questioned it.

Everything I need? 

Maybe, but what about people living in Africa?  Many don’t have food, basic medical care, or often even clean water.  They have wars and HIV/AIDS.

Then there’s Covid-19.  We have lost loved ones and jobs.  The world has experienced supply chain issues and crazy shoppers.  Do we really have everything we need?

Well, Psalm 23:1 says so.

I have all that I need.1

I will not be in need.2

I shall not want.3

There is nothing I lack.4

I lack nothing.5

So maybe I need to change my definition of “need.”

Looking up the verse on Biblegateway.com, I found two things.  First, one translation gives this section a heading: The Good Shepherd.6

Second, the sentences above are the last half of the verse and, in each of those translations, the verse actually begins with

The Lord is my Shepherd

Did you know that if a sheep slips into the water, it’s water-logged wool can get so heavy that it can’t get back out?  Add to that raging waters and it doesn’t go well for the sheep.  Have a shepherd standing by with a big stick shaped with a hook at the end?  Well, that sheep might just be plucked out of the water.  Even better, the shepherd can guide it to shallow, calm, safe water from which to drink.

God, my shepherd!
    I don’t need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
    you find me quiet pools to drink from.7

green field in summer

When I am exhausted, I can stop doing and just be.  I don’t have to know the way home.  I don’t have to try to protect myself from the wolves.  Realizing I don’t have to do it all on my own, I experience so much peace.

True to your word,
    you let me catch my breath
    and send me in the right direction.8

I’m not afraid
    when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd’s crook
    makes me feel secure.9

Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way.10

What does He give me?  Rest, breath, security, guidance.  I read that list and am filled with calm.  He gives me calm.

One other translation of Psalm 23:1 states,

Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!11

BECAUSE.

I have everything I need because I have the Good Shepherd.

When I feel I lack something, where is my focus?  Who am I expecting to take care of me?  Who or what do I think I need?  Things that can die or be destroyed?

Or is my focus on the Good Shepherd who always has everything I actually need?

I’m anxious.

Here’s My peace.

I’m heartbroken.

Here’s My joy.

I’m angry at You.

Come talk to me.

It’s all about what He does.  It’s not based on what I have.  And that means whatever He gives me is all I could possibly need.

You are here in the quiet places calling out my name, longing just to bring me back home.

You are here in the chaos always running after me. All this time I’ve never walked alone.

Jamie Pratt, “Quiet Places“

 1 NLT
 2 NASB2000
 3 NKJV
 4 HCSB
 5 NIV
 6 HCSB
 7 Psalm 23:1-2 MSG
 8 Psalm 23:3 MSG
 9 Psalm 23:4b MSG
 10 Psalm 23:4 TLB
 11 Psalm 23:1 TLB