Reflection:
The Lord is our provider. When we find refuge in him, he protects and provides. Notice the repetition in these verses? It’s a strong reminder that those who trust God don’t miss out. It echoes David’s words in his most famous psalm: ‘The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing’ (Psalm 23:1) or ‘I shall not want’.
This truth is not always easy to believe, so David helps us by turning our attention to lions. Think about lions for a moment. They prowl and hunt to provide for themselves and their family with ease. They are powerful enough to protect themselves and their young. Most other animals (and people!) are terrified of lions and do everything to keep out of their way.
What’s David’s point? That even this strongest and most fearsome of animals will sometimes run out of puff and become weak and hungry. The most self-sufficient of all animals will at times face lack. But not so those who fear the Lord. Those who depend upon another, the Lord, lack nothing.
These verses from Psalm 34 don’t mean that God will give us everything we want. But he is ever attuned to our real needs and what is truly good for us. And this is seen most clearly in what is ours in Christ.
When we come to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, he provides pasture (John 10:9). He provides life, life to the full (John 10:10). He is ferocious in his care, being willing to lay down his life for his sheep (John 10:11, 15). In seeking him, we lack no good thing.
Let’s remind ourselves of how our God has provided for us in abundance. Our sins are forgiven. We have been welcomed into his family as his beloved children. We have a living hope through the resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ — an inheritance awaits us that will never perish, spoil or fade (1 Peter 1:3-4). Nothing will alter this reality.
Prayer:
Lord, you are my Shepherd, and I lack nothing. You make me lie down in green pastures and lead me beside quiet waters. Your rod and staff keep me safe and you provide me with a feast in the presence of my enemies. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. In the name of Jesus, Amen
Song:
“Shepherd, Walk Beside Me (Psalm 23)” by Caroline Cobb