The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
Psalm 23:1 NIV
No Want
The Canadian Poverty Institute understands poverty to be multi-dimensional involving material, social and spiritual poverty. Material poverty exists where people lack the material and financial resources to thrive. Social poverty exists where people are isolated and lack the formal and informal supports necessary for resilience. Spiritual poverty exists where people lack meaning and purpose in their lives. Considering Canada’s wealth and resources, a disproportionate number of Canadians are living in poverty. In 2021, 7.3% of the Canadian population was living in poverty.
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Wendy’s parents lived through the Great Depression, and often would tell us stories about how people cared for each other. Wendy’s dad told her of how often his mother would make soup for her family of six children, but would always make a bit more to serve any of the traveling men, known then as hobos. They lived near the railway tracks, and the hobos knew that there would be some food on the Perry’s back porch for them. Wendy’s grandmother wanted to make sure these men never went hungry. God cares even more for us. King David knew this and wrote these familiar words in Psalm 23:1: “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” Only those who love God can make this claim. In Jesus, we don’t want for anything. In a spiritual sense, we have an abundance or hope, joy, peace, redemption and godliness. But there is more. Through Jesus’ people, God provides for those who need such things as food, hygiene products, toys for children and so much more. Our God cares about us – spirit, soul and body. Through Jesus, we lack nothing. Trust Him to be your providing shepherd.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley