Psalm 23:1b

Last week we learned Jesus Christ loves, protects, protects, and generally cares for His sheep.

Today we are focusing our attention to the phrase I shall not want.” 4 words in our language is only 1 word in Hebrew. The word means: to lack; by implication to fail, want, lessen :- be abated, bereave, decrease, (cause to) fail, (have) lack, make lower, want

But as interesting as that word is, another part of the phrase I shall not want/lack grabbed my attention. If I had been writing this Psalm I would have used the phrase I will not want. So is there a difference between will and shall?

Will is defined by Websters as a word used to express future events; express desires & thoughts; or a willingness;habitual action; and/or a probability.

Shall is defined as a word sed to express what is inevitable; determination; command; or exhortation.

I think what David is saying is something along these lines: I, me, myself, have determined in my mind I shall not lack.In 1830, Theodosia Howard explained why David could make such a claim , he said: “I shall not want”? “shall not want,” because the Lord is our Shepherd! Our Shepherd the All-sufficient! nothing can unite itself to him; nothing mingle with him; nothing add to his satisfying nature; nothing diminish from his fulness. There is a peace and fulness of expression in this little sentence, known only to the sheep.

I shall not lack refers to spiritual matters. Let’s determine what it is we shall not lack.

I am not lacking in proper care. Because I am a sheep under the Shepherds care. I am supplied with the basic needs…food,water, safety, shelter. Illustrations: 1) Lynchburg, 2) truck.

Isaiah 40:10-11 10  Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. 11  He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Total picture of the good shepherd meeting our needs.

I am not lacking in contentment. Not desiring any more. Isaiah 26:3 (KJV) Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Illustration: Family life & conversation with father. Matthew 6:33 (KJV) 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Here is the crux of the matter, we must put God first!

But, David experienced many pitfalls. True, he was chased by Saul, lived in a cave, lived off the land, pretended to be insane, joined the Philistines ,Absalom’s revolt, lost a child. What about Job? John the Baptist? Illustration: John D Rockefeller died, account asked : “How much did he leave behind. Account answered: “All of it.” Again we are talking about spiritual contentment. But live has its ups and downs: James 1:2-4 (KJV) 2  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Now that we have learned about lacking nothing let’s look a the word shall. Remember used to express determination. I shall make plans about my future. Illustration: When the roll is called up yonder.

John 14:1-3 (KJV) 1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

I shall express my faith.

Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) 1  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

4 times in the Bible we find the just shall live by faith, Hab. 2:4; Rom. 1:17; Gal. 2:11; and Heb. 10:38.

How can I live by faith? Philippians 4:13 (KJV) 13  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. AND Philippians 4:19 (KJV) 19  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

I shall have assurance that God can handle whatever comes my way.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV) 13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

1 Thessalonians 5:24 (KJV) 24  Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. We must remember we are in His hand.

We have seen that we are not lacking; and what we shall have, but let’s talk a minute about wants. 4 basic wants of every person.

The want to be loved. parents…children…spouse…friends. Illustration the 5 Love languages. Then discovered Romans 5:8 (KJV) 8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

The want to be accepted. The want to accepted for who I am, the way I am. Illustration: Image of pastor in Fayette vs. me. John 6:37 (KJV) 37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

The want to be recognized. We all want to be recognized for a job well done. We desire someone recognizing our work, input. Illustration: Pulpit recognition : all or none. Although we desire recognition we must be humble

Proverbs 11:2 (KJV) 2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

Proverbs 16:18 (KJV) 18  Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Today we have looked at lacking nothing, shall indicating determination, and our 4 basic wants, but we need to have a word of caution. Think about the imagery in this Psalm, the sheep (us) are in a lush pasture, plenty of fresh water, ample protection from their enemies; yet they want to go to the other side of the fence, to the barren pasture. Why do sheep do that? Why do Christians get dissatisfied & go to other pastures?

I want fun-Jesus gives satisfaction

I want to fulfill my lusts-Jesus cannot temp us.

I want money-Jesus gives us all that money can buy

I want better circumstances-Jesus gives us abundant life.

Just think: we have a God who hears us, the power of His love behind us, the HS within us, and heaven ahead of us. Since we have the sheperd we have grace for every sin, direction for every turn, a candle for every coner, and an anchor for every storm. We shall not want because we have everything we need.