Contentment (Psalm 23)
“I shall not want” (23:1); what a remarkable statement of contentment! To trust that the Shephard provides just what is needed brings tranquility. We might ask for a bunch of silly stuff if left to ourselves. But God knows that predominantly all we need is a good spirit. With this we can get through a lot. And we can get by on very little. This we find in the “green pastures” (23:2) which he makes us lay down in.
Green pastures are lush. Here, God provides abundantly. Notice that he “makes” us lay down suggesting that spiritual nutrition may not always be intuitive. The Christian life is all about growth. Sometimes green pastures are found in trial and tribulation. The goal is maturity. To that end, God knows what is necessary and gives just that confident that it will bring about fruitfulness, which ultimately satisfies.
“Still waters” (23:2) run deep. When we contemplate God’s love and purpose, we find that his way is immensely satisfying. What else do we need besides what he reveals to us. Viewed rightly, God’s presence in guiding and directing, what he allows and what he keeps us from, in the end, restores our soul (23:3). Oh, the joy of being malleable!
This spiritual awakening immediately brings us to application. In this, if we allow, God directs our path (23:3). The promise from Proverbs 3: 5-6 is that, if we acknowledge him, he will make our paths straight. The assurance of spiritual success is a wonderful motivator. I, personally want to know that, come what may, God is in charge protecting me.
Notice, the implied movement from self to community. Our upright behavior is recognizable and appreciable from the outside bringing glory to God. It is never about us, though we are the benefactors.
But what about worse case scenarios? How does that effect our outlook? Fortified with a good spirit, even extreme testing will not cause fear (23:4). Why? From experience we have learned that God is present in all things (23:4). He is sovereign and powerful! And his rod protects, and his staff refrains us from wandering too far (23:4). This is comforting; to know that we are exactly where we are supposed to be, to know that God can influence people and circumstances, to know that we are kept.
Even against opposition, we will stand (23:5)! The promise is for those with integrity. If you do not know yet, God will surely show you that genuineness, compassion, and character bring confidence. When we have done the inner work which brings about an outer disposition, nay-sayers and detractors have no ammunition against us. The effect is a certain anointing (23: 5), a soothing balm which brings about health. And we find, spiritually, that our cup overflows (23:5). Ultimately, all we accomplish is from this overflow of which God is supplying in our hearts.
Armed in this way, “surely goodness and mercy shall follow” all the days of our lives (23:6). And God’s steadfast love, starting today, will continually well up to eternity (23:6). What more do we want?