God Is My Provider

The Psalmist (David) says in Psalm 23: “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” And then He goes on for 6 verses explaining all that God does for us and to us as our Shepherd.  He leads me beside the still waters. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He restores my soul.  These are testimonies that God provides for us in physical, emotional, and spiritual ways.  Many of us, when we think of God’s provision, think primarily of God’s provision for our physical needs, and that is certainly part of what David is thinking about as he writes about the still waters and the green pastures.  Sheep require water and a lush meadow to meet their physical needs.   The still water brings peace to the mind of the sheep.  Fast-running water stresses the flock.  So, God provides not only food and drink but also peace to those who submit to His shepherding.  The restoration of our soul is a provision that God gives.  Our soul (consisting of our mind, our will, and our emotions) is a portion of the invisible part of who we are, and that portion has been corrupted by not only original sin but also our sinful choices throughout our lives.  God is in the soul restoration business for those who follow Him.  Then the Psalmist promises that our Shepherd will lead us in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.  That is the spiritual provision that God brings into the lives of believers.  He brings us to faith in Himself, accepts us, loves us, guides us, and fills us.  We are spiritually provided for just as we are physically and emotionally provided for.  The psalmist then shares with us promises that rest on the lives of those who follow Him.  We do not have to fear even in the face of death because of God’s presence, His guidance, and His strength to rescue if needed.  He promises to prepare a table for us even in the presence of our enemies and promises healing through the anointing of our heads with oil.  Finally, we are reminded that we are provided with a place full of grace, mercy, and peace as we dwell with Him forever.  Much of our lives are spent clawing and scraping and working and pursuing the provision that God promises to His Children.  In fact, much of our culture is conditioned to only consider the economic effects of choices and decisions.  In reality though, it comes back to resting in Him.  Resting in Him for our salvation, our sanctification, our healings, and our everyday needs.  This is not an admonition to quit work, not go to the doctor, not study the Bible, etc.  No, we need to accomplish our parts, but we trust Him for His provision.