INSIGHTS

Scripture quotations unless otherwise noted are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, © 1996 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

...those who trust in the Lord will never lack any good thing.

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who trust in him! Let the Lord's people show him reverence, for those who honor him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will never lack any good thing.
Psalm 34:8-10

Trust and faith are very important. They involve letting go and depending on the Lord to take care of us. It's seems a contradiction. I have to surrender and almost be weak to myself to accomplish the achievement of joy and peace. It's hard to understand these truths. But there is relief and strength to be gained from turning myself over to the Lord, my God. Call it serenity, happiness, abandonment, peace, and strength. It all comes with believing in the gift that is mine if I only take it. And it ultimately will result in eternal life with the Lord. With eternal life we truly will never lack any good thing. As Christ said, "You search the Scriptures because you believe they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me so that I can give you this eternal life." (John 5:39-40)

...you are close beside me.

Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.
Psalm 23:4

At those times in life that I am really scared and shaken, when I am having serious health or other life threatening issues, if I am not sure of what I am going to do, it is really comforting to know of the Lord's presence in my life. He isn't just around somewhere. He is close beside me. That says a lot. He's not just near, he's close beside me! There are a variety of words to use to describe a person's presence in my life. Close is good. It's easier to communicate with someone who is close beside me. Thank you Lord for being close. Continue to remind me of this. I need this assurance. It is comforting!

I have everything I need.

The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need.
Psalm 23:1

It's difficult to conceive of what it means to have everything I need. It seems that I'm always wanting something. With the Lord in charge of my life I do have everything that's really important in life. That doesn't mean I'll never have to shop or save for a major purchase. What it does mean is that with the Lord as my shepherd or guide, if I follow his lead I will know satisfaction, have peace, and will lack nothing important. As Scripture says, "Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern." (Matthew 6:32-33)