
A Life Without Lack
Psalm 23:1-6
Darrin Mariott, Lead Pastor
We can find complete satisfaction and joy in the provision and
presence of Messiah Jesus.
Psalm 23:1-6
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
I. No Lack of God’s Provision (vv. 1-6)
A. When we hear the word provision, our mind often goes to material needs. But God’s provision goes well beyond our material concerns. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus meets our needs every day, whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual (cf. Phil. 4:14-20).
Phillipians 4:14-20
14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
B. In Psalm 23, we see that in God’s care, we do not lack…
1. Rest (v. 2).
2. Guidance (vv. 2-3)
3. Spiritual comfort (v. 4).
4. Physical provision (v. 5).
5. A future hope (v. 6)
C. The world tries very hard to convince us that what it has to offer is what we need. But the truth is that our needs are best met by God through Messiah Jesus. When we see that what we really need is Christ, then our wants are informed by God’s desire for us (cf. Matt. 6:25-33).
Matthew 6:25-33
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
II. No Lack of God’s Presence (vv. 1-6)
A. One of the enduring images of this Psalm is the picture of God’s presence—His nearness in challenging and dark times. This image provides comfort to us because it reminds us that, as our King and Shepherd, Jesus will never leave us or forsake us (cf. Heb. 13:5-6).
Hebrews 13:5-6
5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”6 So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
B. We see God’s presence in that:
1.The Lord shows us the way (vv. 1-3)
2. The Lord comforts us along the way (v. 4).
3. The Lord blesses us along the way (v. 5).
4. The Lord is faithful to provide a way home (v. 6; cf. Jn. 10:7-11).
C. A life without lack is not a life free of trials, troubles, goals, or dreams. It is a life where all those things are surrendered unto God so that He may guide our steps and provide our needs as He reveals the path that will fulfill His purpose and call on our lives, to His glory.