Having raised four children, it was a question I often asked as they were heading out the door, “Do you have everything you need?”

Whether they were leaving for a mission trip, a sleepover, or just going to work for a few hours. My maternal heart wanted to do one quick, last-minute check to ensure they weren’t leaving anything necessary behind.

Psalm 23 opens with this very point. Not in question form, but rather a statement of fact – powerful and sure.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need.” (vs. 1 CSB)

Ponder that for a moment. Let the truth of those last five words take root in your heart.

If God is your shepherd, you have what you need. Period. Right now, tomorrow, the day after that, and beyond.

Generally speaking, when we talk about needs, we’re referring to essentials, aren’t we? Things that are necessary to sustain life – food, water, clothing, shelter, and the like.

But David is going even deeper than that.

David, the shepherd boy turned king who wrote Psalm 23, is testifying boldly that God provides everything pertaining to his natural and spiritual welfare.

God was his rest and comfort always. (vs. 2)

God nourished him during spiritual dry spells and provided clarity, vision, and wisdom. (vs. 3)

God was his peace during the darkest of moments. (vs. 4)

God provided bountifully in the face of adversity and spiritual warfare. (vs. 5)

God was his promise, both now and in the future, of abundant and everlasting life. (vs. 6)

How often do we walk in that bold assurance? Are we able to say with such confidence that we have all we need because God is our shepherd?

Whether we have been able to say that or not, the good news is that our Shepherd wants this to be our testimony. Regardless of our weaknesses, blind spots, and frequent tendencies to doubt.

Pastor Larry Osborne says it beautifully, “The Shepherd meets his sheep where they are and not where they should be.”

I pray that this incredible truth would be your prayer and confession of faith today, my friend, “God is my shepherd. I have what I need!”

Until next time, Grace and Glory!