“I Shall Not Want” (Ps 23)

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (vs1)

The Lord Jesus walked in assurance before God, being shepherded by Him. He said, “I shall not want”, because He knew the Father would provide everything in eternity and time. He would be exalted, victorious over sin, and He would save His people by the faithfulness of God and the power of the Spirit.

Let us also walk assured.

First, the Son's confidence was in God (vs1-3). He said, “The Lord is my shepherd... He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores me soul”. As Man, He couldn't trust in Himself: He emptied Himself of independence and took the form of a servant, obeying God by His strength and faithfulness as Father. He didn't provide for Himself, but He leaned back His whole existence upon God, and He knew that He would be true. Likewise, if you're confident in God, then you'll work great things also, for the FRUIT of faith is love, both to God and man. If you believe that Christ died for you at the Father's command, then you will obey more as you're SURE you're His (2 Cor 5:13-15).

Secondly, the Son walked assured amidst horrid trials and great pain (vs4-5). He said, “Yea, 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 runs over”. Assurance has NOTHING to do with circumstances, whether we're happy or sad, prosperous or struggling. Assurance is based upon the truth of God's character revealed in the word, independent of what we experience. The Lord isn't our Shepherd, if things are well; He shepherds us through the storm, providing peace, joy, and power amidst it. He cares for us in such a way that while our enemies swarm, He sets a table for us, a feast of fat things, the best of wine, saying, “Come, for all things are now ready” (Luke 14:17).

Thirdly, the Son had confidence because of obedience (vs6). He said, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”. He did God's will, so He didn't fear, and you and I have the same confidence through Christ (1 Pet 1:21). We come to God through Him, and by faith alone, we're obedient sons, transformed from the inside out. Having Jesus as mediator and being justified by His blood, we walk with God assured because we are clean in His sight, sons, and fully accepted. God has revealed Himself faithful to the righteous, and through Christ, this is us.

Finally, don't underestimate assurance or work for it meritoriously. Understand, the GOSPEL makes us sons before servants, and you will confidently serve thereby.