No Longer in Want (Psalm 23)

Summary

"The LORD is my Shepherd. I shall not want." Could there be a better description of rest? Rest is the experience of not wanting. Wanting is work -- it disturbs our rest by distracting us from receiving what God has already given us to enjoy. Psalm 23 reminds us all we have in Jesus Christ and frees us from want so we can rest.

Text

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
    He makes me lie down in green pastures.
     He leads me beside still waters.
    He restores my soul.
     He leads me in paths of righteousness
        for his name’s sake. 

    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. 

    You prepare a table before me
        in the presence of my enemies;
     you anoint my head with oil;
        my cup overflows. 
    Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
        all the days of my life,
     and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
        forever. (Psalms 23:1–6)