I stared out of my Indianapolis apartment at the cement parking lot full of cars and remembered the New England storybook charm I’d left behind. What the Hoosiers called trees looked like shrubs compared to the brilliant maples I’d enjoyed. My tiny bedroom held unfamiliar second-hand furniture.
My previous assignment had consisted of a ministry team of single adults. We became fast friends and lived close enough to walk to one another’s homes. My housemate and I had immediately bonded, even wearing matching blouses to an old-fashioned ice cream parlor the night I arrived.
My new team, composed of marrieds and singles, spread out over a wide area. Everyone had their own circle of friends. My first Sunday afternoon of free time allowed an inner ache to grow. I didn’t know a single soul in the whole state.
A Lifeline
As my mood began to slip the Holy Spirit threw me a lifeline in the form of a familiar Scripture:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Ps. 23:1 KJV).
Those familiar words reminded me that God knew my needs. If I needed a friend, He could provide one. My heart leaped. I was not alone. My Shepherd was with me.
The apartment phone interrupted my thoughts. I figured it would be for my housemate who was out. I was wrong.
A friend from my former team was calling. He was settling into a new assignment in Florida. The timing of his call confirmed my Shepherd’s care for me.
Psalm 23 has spoken to me many times and in many different situations. When my daughter was very young, we memorized the Living Bible version together. Take a moment to savor its message. Which line speaks to you today?
“Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!
He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most.
Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way.
You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as your guest; blessings overflow!
Jesus Hears Your Heart Cry
Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home.”
The Good Shepherd cares about your needs. He may not supply in the way we imagine. Sometimes, He’s allowed me to experience lack in one area to meet a deeper need.
He used my loneliness that day to show me He was near. My awakened faith helped recognize His care in the phone call. Otherwise, the call may have heightened my feelings of loss instead of soothing them.
What personal need do you have? Jesus cares and stands ready to provide wisdom, comfort, encouragement, and tangible resources. By faith, receive His love and provision. Your Shepherd provides everything you need. Sometimes He uses a phone call.
“Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home” (Ps. 23:6 TLB).
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What a timely reminder that every need has been met by our Good Shepherd. Here in North America we require help in distinguishing between a need and a want.
Michelle, we have truly enjoyed great blessings that all too often we’ve taken for granted.
I remember trees looking like shrubs when I moved from the northeast to Indiana for a time too! And loneliness. And God’s kind provision of reminders He was with me – and later of dear friends too. Praise God He truly does provide everything we need! Thanks for sharing this, Debbie!
Bethany, I find that often those times make sweet memories when we recall God’s faithfulness.
Such security in the promises of Psalm 23-we have all we could ever need!
It’s such a tender reminder that God loves and cares for us and will provide every need. His timing in certain circumstances is so perfect and specific, it makes me feel especially known and loved.
I so love the 23rd Psalm. Sooo much goodness in there!
BECAUSE the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need. Sometimes I have trouble recognizing it, but it’s true!