The Green Pasture of Contentment

What would it be like to have a faith so deep in God that there is nothing you want. “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want (Psalm 23:1).”

It’s not a matter of having all your needs met, it is a level of contentment where you choose to not want for anything. “I shall not want.”

“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am,” Paul wrote in Phillipians 4:11. He learned contentment. He chose to be content in all circumstances. He chose to make the Lord Jesus his shepherd.

With the Lord as your shepherd, “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters (Pslam 23:2).” You may seek other things or places in this world that you think will bring contentment, but Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11).” Jesus died for you to bring you salvation. To bring you rest. To give you hope.

He makes you lay down in green, lush pastures that will feed your hunger, nourish your soul. He leads you to quiet waters to refresh you. Your shepherd only desires what is best for you. “Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life (John 14:13-14).’”

When you choose to follow Jesus, “He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake (Psalm 23:3).” He restored your soul with His death on the cross. He sacrificed for you. Let the good shepherd lead you along paths of righteousness.

With Jesus by your side, guiding you through the struggles of this world. “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).” Jesus is the good shepherd, your protector. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23:4).”

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. – Psalm 23:5-6