Benefits of Believing: Lifetime Guarantees
“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.” Psalm 23:6
(blessings, assurances, guarantees)
We have a lot of things that follow us, don’t we? Our reputations, mistakes, our regrets, even our shame all seem to attach themselves to us and we find them hard to shake off. They follow us and seem to make themselves apparent at inopportune times, whether to others or just to ourselves as a grim and nagging reminder of all that we’re not.
As parents, we would gladly unburden our sons and daughters from those things that would define them negatively and remind them of their failures and missteps. It’s a form of bondage that the enemy uses to keep us from being effective, and it’s debilitating.
But God says differently. He casts our sin aside because He paid the price for our sin with His blood and redeemed us at the cross. Psalm 103:12 “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
Our sin doesn’t define us any more. We are made new, the old is gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; The old has gone, the new is here!”
When we become children of God, sons and daughters of the Most High, different things follow us. God ensures that all the days of our life we are hemmed in behind and before with His goodness and merciful love. Psalm 139:5 “You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.” He reminds us that we are His protected child, Psalm 91:14-16 ““Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
God guarantees us this protection for ALL the days of our life, not some, not most, but all!!
As parents, don’t we long for a lifetime assurance that our sons and daughters will be okay? Believe me, God wants that too- He’s a Father after all.
He’s assured us that if we are His sheep He will care for us, protect us, guide us, accompany us, and provide for us abundantly. But He also promises that surely, SURELY, goodness and love WILL follow us all the days of our life.
The word surely in Hebrew is ‘ak’. It’s an affirmation that means “certainly” or “nevertheless”. “It’s a positive affirmation with emphasis on the expression of a truth: surely there is no doubt.” (1)
Throughout Psalm 23, God shows us all of the ways He cares, protects and provides for us. Then, at the end, He affirms that He will, without question, bless us again (and again and again) with His goodness and loving kindness- always, forever, continually and without fail. God will never ‘fall out of love’ with us. Read that again. God will NEVER not love us. He cannot- it’s not in His nature to not love, because God is love, 1 John 4:11 “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.”
Oh how we want our sons and daughters to believe this and experience it for themselves!! May they know the Love of God intimately, personally, perpetually so that their life is dominated and directed by it. May it be all-consuming, ever-comforting, and perpetually present and tangible to them. Today, let’s pray for just that. That our dear ones would come to understand and experience the goodness of God and His relentless, unexpiring, comprehensive love for them.
“Oh, gracious, loving Father, Abba. You are the One who loved us before we ever knew You. Father, I pray in your goodness and mercy, You would surround (name) today. Show them Your mighty protection from the things of this world that would pull their gaze from You and would seek to deceive them with promises of fulfillment that will never satisfy. I pray that as in Exodus 33:19, all of Your goodness would overflow abundantly to (name). “And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” I pray that not only Your goodness, but Your mercy would be present in (name)’s life. Show them, Lord, how You protect and keep them. Open their eyes to the spiritual shield around them. Give them knowledge and understanding that Your Sovereignty ordains their steps and determines their days. Help (name) crave Your goodness and Your mercy. Lord, may they live out the scripture of Psalm 23, following You as Lord and Shepherd, knowing their needs are fulfilled, their whole being is safe and protected and that their inheritance in the saints is secure. Lord, God, Almighty, I pray that You would draw their heart to Your own so that they desire and seek You all of their days. May they abide in You so that when You call them home, they will abide WITH You, eternally. I pray these things in the precious name of Jesus, my Lord and Savior, amen.”
Pray without ceasing.
H389 - 'aḵ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (ESV). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h389/esv/wlc/0-1/
God’s Powerful Anointing
“You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Psalm 23:5b
(life-giving strength, proactive prevention, setting apart)
Did you know that Shepherds anointed their sheep? No, it’s not to set them apart for roles of importance or noble purposes, though human anointing historically served that purpose. The anointing of the sheep is an effort to protect them from insects that would harm them, from sharing disease-causing parasites and from infection caused by parasites (1,2).
The flies that swarm around the flocks pester the sheep and cause them distress. But the flies are not as harmless as one might think. They will lay their eggs in the noses of the sheep. The larvae burrow deeply into the flesh causing pain, infection and, sometimes, blindness. The Shepherd rubs oil all over the sheep's head to keep them from falling victim to those pests they cannot see nor protect themselves against (1,2). Consider how our Shepherd protects us from those tiny, invisible threats that we can’t see, but might render us weakened or blinded to Truth.
Then, the Shepherd also uses the oil to prevent the spread of parasites. You see, as the sheep mingle with one another, they live closely together in the flock, they bump into one another and ‘rub shoulders’. Sometimes the parasites on one sheep will quickly spread to the entire flock, infecting them all. The oil not only prevents the spread, but it accelerates the healing (2). Jesus in His wisdom, anoints us to protect us from false teaching and wrong influences that might spread through His flock. If we’re all anointed, we’re less likely to pick up foreign pests that could derail our faith and we’re more likely to heal quickly when we encounter insult and injury or endure trials and tribulations. His oil of healing is sufficient to heal our wounds.
Finally, the Shepherd rubs the oil on the horns of the sheep to protect them from one another. Sheep are known to butt heads…and aren’t people known for that too? The oil makes the horns slip more easily, preventing serious injury (1,2). Oh how we want to avoid hurting others as we sometimes disagree over how we should live in harmony, how we should do ministry, how we should follow Christ. As sheep, we don’t understand the dangers that wait for us, nor those we might cause to others, but our Good Shepherd does, and He diligently covers us with His protection and His anointing.
You see, as the Shepherd anoints each sheep, He can note any wounds because He’s focusing on each sheep, individually. The anointing isn’t a group event. It’s one by one, as each sheep needs. He carefully checks us over, ensuring that any wound is cleaned and any infection is treated. He removes any ‘invaders’ that might cause sickness or blindness. Our Good Shepherd anoints us each to care for us as individuals. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture (Ps. 100:3).
The New Testament uses the picture of anointing as God’s call on the believer’s life. We are chosen and set apart; we are children of the King. We are healed. We are cleansed. We are sanctified.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
God’s anointing accomplishes so many things… and it fills our cup, it brings spiritual satisfaction and a completeness because we are His own. His anointing on us sets us apart for eternity and ensures that the enemy knows we belong to Jesus. The infectious assault of the enemy can’t destroy us. The oil of healing from our Good Shepherd ensures we are protected and preserved.
Let’s pray that our sons and daughters understand how and why God has chosen them and they grasp the depth of that anointing and experience the overflowing blessings of being God’s chosen child. Let’s pray Scripture over them once more.
“Loving Father, it amazes me to think that You chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in Your sight (Ephesians 1:4) . We are chosen and dearly loved (Colossians 3:12). Today, help (name) to not only recognize this, but to understand it and be changed by it. I pray that (name)’s life would overflow with all of the blessings that come with being Your child, Your beloved, Your chosen one. I pray that (name) would personally experience Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.””
“Give (name) the confidence of 2 Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” Help them believe that Your blessings are abundant and to see those blessings filling and surrounding them today.”
“I pray Philippians 1:9-11 over (name) today, “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.””
“And give (name discernment to understand that Your blessings are not only physical in this world, but they are spiritual and eternal. In this world we will have trouble, that is certain, but You’ve promised us that there is so much more- help (name) not to lose heart. Give them confidence in their anointing and a steady faith that follows after You, no matter the circumstance. I pray that they would live out 2 Corinthians 4:15-17 “All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.””
“Lord, let your Word work powerfully in (name) to accomplish Your anointing on their life today, in Jesus’ name, and for His glory, amen.”
Pray without ceasing.
1. Ellis, N. (2022, September 11). Why Do Shepherds Put Oil On Sheep? Farm & Animals. https://farmandanimals.com/why-do-shepherds-put-oil-on.../
2. (n.d.). Why Do Shepherds Put Oil On Sheep? Animalovin. https://www.animalovin.com/why-do-shepherds-put-oil-on.../
Extravagant Provision, Abundant Protection
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” Psalm 23:5
(rich provision, mighty protection, filling Presence)
A banquet on the battlefield. It’s a sit-down affair, not a grab-and-go meal. God isn’t in a hurry to move us away from our enemies. He’s powerful enough to protect us from their aggression. Instead, God chooses to honor and celebrate His child, in the midst of it all. He doesn’t wait until ‘things are better’, He pours out His rich blessings on us right where we are! That’s our God!
He is mighty and able to hold off the fray and still be Present with us to sit down to a proper meal where it is safe to sit and eat and enjoy His abundance. Imagine the conversation at the table! Oh friends, God prepares good things for us despite the evil world we live in. He doesn’t make us wait until the battle is over- He wants us to open our mouths wide and savor His goodness now! We just have to be alongside Him, present with Him, listening to His instructions and trusting in His strong protection. It’s safe to sit and eat- He’s already won the battle!
Do we encourage our sons and daughters with the victory cry, or do we just sit and cry, worry, fret, and fuss because there are enemies present? Are we settling ourselves in the Lord’s Presence to fill ourselves with Him or are we too stressed (obsessed) and anxious to eat at the Lord’s banquet? Oh how sad that would be- because our God prepares a spread like no other! He wants us to take our fill of His rich blessings and provisions and that means we must fully trust and rest in what He’s doing…even if we can’t see it. He is ever-present, all-knowing, and isn’t constrained by time or location. He is the ultimate Protector and slayer of demons and darkness. He doesn’t need us to worry. He doesn’t need us to fuss or cry. And He certainly doesn’t need us to tell Him how to watch over our sons and daughters. He just wants us to sit at His table, enjoy His presence, savor His provision, and rest in Him. Let’s gather at His table and enjoy His company!
Let's pray that our sons and daughters (and that we) learn how to enjoy the Lord's Presence even in the midst of the battles of this life.
“Oh, Father, how easy it is for us to get distracted by the evil around us. We worry and fret. We fix our eyes on what we can see and that unnerves us and makes us afraid. We fear for our sons and daughters because we love them so. We worry about their safety and their security. We keep ourselves awake at night with all of the “what-ifs”, when all the while there is a beautiful banquet spread for us, just waiting for us to come, sit and partake of Your goodness. Help us to exhibit good habits for those we love. How can we encourage them to trust and obey if we can’t do that ourselves? Lord, move and work in my own heart, then do the same in (name)’s heart. You have not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Help us not live in fear but in faith and confidence. Remind us that You are the Victor! You already won the battle. The enemy holds no power over us. We can sit down at Your table and savor the rich blessings You provide for us. You’ve prepared a table for us - help us to accept the invitation to come and fellowship with You. Lord, fill our mouths, our hearts, our minds with Your praise- sweet as honey and satisfying to the soul. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Savor the goodness of our God.
Pray without ceasing.
God is Faithful to Restore Us and Lead Us
“He refreshes [restores] my soul.” Psalm 23:3
(spiritual renewal)
Restoration is hard work. It is the effort to bring something back to its original condition when time, decay, and circumstances affect its beauty, its purpose, and its value. Any shadow of what it once was or was intended to be has long since faded. The beauty is covered in dirt, mold, and decay, the edges are rough, once-strong supports are rotted, the luster is dulled. But an expert still sees the value and knows what it could be, if restored. Restoration requires someone who is skilled and has vision and an understanding of what something once was or was intended to be in order to restore it to its original state.
Jesus is our Restorer. He created us, so He knows us intimately and He knows exactly who and what He intended us to be. He is able to revive, refresh, and restore our spiritual selves to the “shalom” He intended us to enjoy in the garden, where everything was in a right relationship to Him. Isaiah 60:1 says about Jesus, “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,”
We can pray Psalm 51:2, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Jesus is able; He can do it!
“Jesus, You are the Restorer of all things. You promise that You will restore us and make us new. 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” I pray that You would begin a work of restoration and reconciliation in (name) today.”
“Lord, strip away the rotten things that would cause decay in (name)’s life. Replace the battered and worn parts with new. Refresh their outlook and restore their heart to be aligned with Yours. Work in them to stir a desire to be made new with a heart like Jesus. Remind them that, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24. Show them clearly that You love them and You desire that they would be brought into fellowship with You, welcomed into Your house and home for eternity. Give (name) a heart for restoration so they would not only embrace the gospel and receive a new heart but that they would share the life-giving gospel with others so they, too, could be restored. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
“He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”
(direction, purpose)
When God restores us, it’s not for our benefit alone, although we do reap great benefits from the renewal of our heart, mind, and spirit. But it is for His glory that He redeems us! He gives us direction and purpose.
Ephesians 1:11-12 tells us, “In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory.”
He has a plan and purpose for each of us Philippians 2:13, “for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” The phrase, “For His name’s sake” indicates that we are to live in such a way that we maintain his name and reputation (1). If we fail to do that we take His name in vain- calling ourselves Christians but living like we are not. “‘You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” Deut. 5:11 (NKJV) Our actions, choices and attitudes have bearing on the name we carry.
“Holy Father, Your name is Sacred. You ARE the Great I AM. There is no other like You and Your supremacy is unequaled. I pray that You would give (name) a godly fear and respect of You. Lead (name) in paths of righteousness so that as they bear Your name, they would be righteous (not self-righteous), blameless (not deceiving others or themselves) and authentic in their faith and their convictions. Lord, give (name) perspective that every blessing is from You and for the purpose of serving You and bringing You glory. Strengthen them in their faith, their conviction, and their passion to follow You in the right paths You set before them, in Jesus’ name, amen.”
Pray without ceasing.
H4616 - maʿan - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h4616/niv/wlc/0-1/
Green Pastures, Still Waters
“He makes me lie down in green pastures,” Psalm 23:2
(rest, satisfying our hunger)
“Rabas-'' to cause to lie down, stretch out; [term] used of quadrupeds, which lie on their breast with their feet tucked under them.” (1)
When our children were young, we often made them lie down for a nap because we knew they needed rest. It was good for them and refreshing. We’d peek in on them to see them stretched out or curled up, snug in their bed and secure in their safety because they knew we were present to protect them. They didn’t feel the need to sleep in a pose that would have them ready to defend themselves because they rested in our watchful protection. “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8 God is our watch-care Shepherd. He leads us to safe places where we can rest and be refreshed without concern of the enemy.
The green pastures are not just for rest, though. God uses them to satisfy our hunger with good nutrition. When we follow our Shepherd we are spiritually filled and satisfied beyond anything this world could supply. Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
Parents, we need to live by example and show our sons and daughters that we, too, find our spiritual nutrition in the ‘green pastures’ to which the Lord leads us. We set an example for our sons and daughters to not fill up on the ‘junk food’ of this world but to fill ourselves with the lush spiritual truths from Scripture. And how satisfying that is!
“Great Creator, Lord of all, Jehovah Provider, I pray that (name) would feast on the abundance of Your table each day. Help them to satiate their hunger on the Truth of Your Word and savor the beauty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let them develop a distinguished spiritual palate that is put off by ‘processed’ and ‘fake’ foods that wouldn’t nourish them. Give them discernment about what they would choose to spiritually ingest so that what they consume is life-giving and strength-sustaining, ensuring they are properly nourished so they can follow You well. Lord, give them rest in Your pastures, free from predators who would seek to deceive them and pull them from Your flock. Surround them with Your protection, Lord, and help them rest secure in the salvation You offer.”
“He leads me beside quiet waters,” Ps 23:3
(refreshment, quenching our thirst)
Sheep don’t swim well at all. In fact, they’re afraid of moving water because, even in their simplicity, they understand that their wool, soaked with water, would quickly drag them under and the current would carry them off. God has given them the instinct to know that fast-moving water is a threat. Deep water and strong currents are deadly.
God gives us the Holy Spirit to warn us away from those things that would drag us down and carry us off, as well. Our Shepherd leads us beside quiet waters where we can drink our fill and be quenched without fear. He knows what is best. But we have to trust His leadership and listen to His voice. You see, sometimes still water runs deep, and well-under the surface are strong currents that could put us in danger. We need to trust the Shepherd and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit to ensure we’re protected and drinking deeply from waters that are best for us. When our sons and daughters look to find a church, and fellowship with other believers, we need to pray that the Holy Spirit leads them to refreshing waters that don’t have an undercurrent that distorts or defies Scripture. Pray that He leads them to a fellowship that isn’t all about a man-leader, but all about God and His Word. We need to pray that He leads our sons and daughters to quiet waters where they can learn and be refreshed. Isaiah 49:10 “They will neither hunger nor thirst. The searing sun will not reach them anymore. For the LORD in His mercy will lead them; He will lead them beside cool waters.”
“Father, God, You watch us closely and lead us carefully. You desire that we would find rest and refreshment in You, but to do that, we need to trust You and listen to Your voice. We need to depend on and be submitted to the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us to teaching and learning that is God-honoring and true to Your Word. I pray that (name) would find a church home and a fellowship of believers who follow their Shepherd without compromise and cling to His Word with all the strength You provide. Lord, keep them from dangerous currents that would carry them off to apostasy, to deception and to following their own heart- which is deceitful above all things. Help (name) to follow Your heart, to trust Your leading, and to drink their full of the refreshment of Scripture each day. Give them a deep spiritual thirst for Your Truth and the careful discernment to quench that only with what You provide- no substitutions. Sustain them, Lord, by Your provision and protection, in Jesus’ name, amen.”
Let’s pray that our sons and daughters continue to pursue true refreshment and rest in Christ and that they would not look to the world to satisfy those longings within, but would turn to Jesus to be their Provider, Sustainer, and Source of Life. Pray that they would drink deeply of the Living Water that quenches our ever-present spiritual thirst. Only Jesus can satisfy. Pray that they trust and follow their Shepherd into green pastures and still waters.
Pray without ceasing
H7257 - rāḇaṣ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h7257/kjv/wlc/0-1/
Praying Psalm 23:1 Our Lord and Shepherd
“The Lord is my Shepherd; I lack nothing.” Psalm 23:1
Throughout the next few weeks we’re going to pray though this familiar Psalm, but with a renewed understanding of the deeper meanings presented there. We often hear people quoting the 23rd Psalm when they are in crisis. It seems to be a universally accepted way to face mortality. Yet, when the crisis is past, the words are tucked away and forgotten or ignored. But there is so much more to them then just a general ‘prayer of comfort’.
There is deeper meaning within these words that, when paired with a relationship with Jesus Christ, brings life, hope, and purpose. We can pray these words for our sons and daughters and in doing so, cover every aspect of life that, as parents, we (try not to) worry and pray over.
Psalm 23:1a “The Lord is my shepherd,”
(belonging, identity)
LORD = Jehovah = The Existing One.
Who is it that our sons and daughters bow to as Lord? To whom do they give their allegiance and for whom do they live their life? To whom do they belong? For someone to say “The Lord is my Shepherd” they are declaring their submission to God and their obedience to follow Him. They are identifying themselves as His. What follows in the Psalm are the blessings of being His sheep. Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters authentically make this declaration that the Yahweh, is truly their Lord and Shepherd
“Father, God, I pray that (name) would truly surrender their heart and life to You. Give them a sincere faith, bolstered by Your promises and Your faithfulness. Be the LORD of their life and be the One for whom they live and to whom they direct their thoughts and obedience. Lord, I pray that (name) would be surrendered to You and allow You to guide their actions. May they seek to reflect You in all they do so that others see You ARE their LORD.”
Shepherd = One who guides and tends sheep.
A Shepherd of sheep leads them, because sheep are followers. Conversely, goats are herded, moved from behind because they don’t follow well. They have an independent streak (isn’t that so representative of our sinful heart?). Goats want to do what they choose, they blaze their own trail with little thought to the dangers of predators, getting lost, or eating what they shouldn’t, because they think they’re in charge. Their shepherd, or rather goatherd, follows them to ensure they stay together, but the goats are leading the way. Goats don’t submit to a leader or a Lord.
Sheep are keen to hear their Shepherd’s voice- they can distinguish it from that of other shepherds and they are eager to follow. Though they can wander and get lost, the Shepherd ensures they stay together and on the path. He continually talks to them as he leads them so they can hear and follow. The Shepherd protects the sheep from their own foolishness and from dangers that would harm them or lure them away. He even carries them if they’re weak or wounded- isn’t that such a picture of our Savior? Isaiah 40:10-11 “See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and He rules with a mighty arm. See, His reward is with Him, and His recompense accompanies Him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those who have young.”
Let’s pray that our sons and daughters would be willing sheep of the Shepherd and not goats of this world. Sheep find their identity and belonging in the Presence and the Purposes of the Shepherd. It’s not an oppressive Shepherd-sheep relationship, it’s a protective and supportive belonging, a purpose that nurtures and sustains us. God’s Shepherd-ship enables us to do what we’re created to do.
“Father, I pray that my son/daughter follows You steadily, wholeheartedly, and without pause. Let (name) understand their identity is found in You. Give them understanding of their Purpose according to Your plan. Help them to hear Your voice and distinguish it from all the other ‘noise’ of this world. I pray that they would not foolishly run ahead of You or try and blaze their own path, but they would submit to Your leadership, trusting that You will protect and provide for them. Lord, please be (name)’s Shepherd.”
Psalm 23:1b “I lack nothing.” [“I will not be in need” -NASB]
(provision)
Lack- haser- to decrease, fail or diminish, to suffer want (1)
If Jehovah God is our LORD and Shepherd, there is nothing we might need that He cannot provide. We can rest securely in His Lordship and His ability to Shepherd us. The sheep don’t worry about the direction they’re headed or about the provision along the way because they trust their Shepherd.
“Oh precious Savior, Shepherd, Guide and Friend, You are our Sustainer. We can be confident that You will provide all we need in every way. Spiritually we will be fully satisfied because You are all we need.”
“Abba Father, we live in a fallen world in which there is so much need and nothing, apart from You, can supply what is lacking. I pray that (name) would fully trust and rest in You, confident that You are able to and will provide what they need at the perfect time, especially when times are difficult and lean. Philippians 4:19 tells us, “But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Your riches far exceed anything we could ever amass here on earth and Your provision is plentiful. 2 Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” I ask that You would bless (name) abundantly, in all things at all times. Lord, you can do more than we could ask or think. Show Yourself as Shepherd and Provider today. Open (name)’s eyes to see that You are the Source of every gift, every provision, every blessing they enjoy. Let them look to no other. Strengthen them to acknowledge Your sovereignty over every part of their life, their need, and the provision You offer, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Let’s continue to pray throughout the week that our sons and daughters find their identity and belonging in Christ alone and that they trust His protection and provision for all of their needs.
H2637 - ḥāsēr - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h2637/kjv/wlc/0-1/
Pray without ceasing