I Shall Not Want

Since the Lord is our shepherd, we shall not want.

The “want” is used with a broader meaning than what you might initially believe it to be. The concept of the word is not having something and desiring it, either as proper care, management, or some other third thing. A second emphasis is the idea of being completely content in the Good Shepherd’s care and not craving, desiring or needing anything else out of life. This may feel like an unusual statement for the common person to have if we think in only the terms of physical and/or material needs.

It’s important to keep a balanced view of the Catholic lifestyle. In order to maintain this view, it’s important to consider the careers of the many famous Bible figures such as Elijah, John the Baptist, or Jesus himself. We need to do this to realize that all of them experienced great personal deprivation and adversity. When he was among us, the Great Shepherd himself warned his disciples that before his great departure to heaven that each of them would face various tribulations from the world around them, both from enemies of his teachings to those within their own religion. But it was important for them to maintain hope as he had already overcome the world with his presence.

One of the fallacies that is common among the Catholic community today is the belief that if a man, woman or child is prosperous in wealth and riches then it is a sign that they have God’s blessings and are living life to the fullest. This however, is not a reality that God would approve of. There are two verses that I would like you to focus on. The first is Revelation 3:17.

You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. - Revelation 3:17

What do you get from this verse? It is a short statement with a powerful meaning. In our quest to obtain riches, value and whatever admirable possession we can put our hands on, we often lose sight of who or what we truly are. Take away the riches and we’re just ordinary people with blatant flaws and insecurities that we try to hide. Haven’t we all been like this at some point in our lives? Where do we try to use our personal and expensive belongings as a way to show how better we are or that we are just as good as our friends? And here is the second verse based on Mark 10:21 that shows what Jesus would want us to do.

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

In the context of the verse, a youth of rich background asked Jesus what he needed to do in order to follow Jesus and reach paradise. Jesus informed him that he needed to give up everything he ever owned so that he may reach his goal. For many people, this is often an impossible feat as we rely too much on our worldly possessions to part with them. Whether it is because they add to our survival or because they build our glamorous image, it is often difficult to do this one thing that Jesus and God ask for us.

Based on these verses, we can conclude that God did not intend for us to define ourselves by physical or material needs. This is a fact that many Catholics need to recognize and then give a long, hard look at their personal lives. We as rising Catholics need to realize that just as God has plans and choices for each of us, we may be called on to experience adversities that will place us in material or physical poverty. Whether that adversity lasts longer than expected or if only for a short while, it is with those experiences that we must say “I shall not want...I shall not lack the expert care and management of my Master”.

To grasp the inner significance of this statement, it’s important to understand the difference between belonging to one master or another-to the Good Shepherd or to a false shepherd. Jesus himself went the extra mile to ensure that he was the true master who would do no wrong while guiding us. And that it was also impossible to serve two masters. One belonged either to him or to the other. And we all know who that particular other is right? You know it.

It’s Satan.

Let’s switch all of this into a familiar yet different scenario.

Imagine that there was a farm. And on that farm there was a shepherd who owned his own flock of sheep. The key characteristic about this farmer was that he was indifferent. He was not concerned about the conditions that his sheep were in nor of the environment that they lived in. He allowed the sheep to enjoy their days despite the depraved and toxic conditions that his land was. The land itself was neglected and the farmer gave little to no time to actually tend to his sheep. They were in his power and could do nothing to protect themselves from the harsh conditions they found themselves in. They were at his mercy. To live, to die and to suffer as he saw fit.

The master was a heartless, selfish person who was callous to the needs of his flock and was only interested in their suffering and how much it satisfied him. He did not care to help them through their harmful scenarios. What if his sheep did want green grass or fresh water or shelter? What if they wanted relief from the pain of wounds and bruises? He would simply ignore their deeds. They would endure this agony and would go on to the slaughter.

This is the type of lifestyle that can be guaranteed for any unfortunate soul who aligns themself with Satan. The lifestyle for those who indulge in sin or would rather take on instant gratifications just to give their lives meaning even if it’s temporary. This is the lifestyle that God and many of our friends and loved ones try so hard to keep us away from.

With this allegory in mind, there’s something that we never notice as we go about our days meeting different people from our large and forever changing society. From the students who go to school, to the adults who go to work; each of them has some type of boss figure that they answer to. And this extends to everyone. From the richest and fairest actors of all the land to the intellectual scientists who make ground breaking discoveries every so often. Despite their dazzling success, their affluence, most of them are often poor in spirit, lacking in soul, and are unhappy. They were miserable people held tight by the iron grip and heartless ownership of a false master who led them astray with misguided happiness.

And in contrast to them, can you imagine how many other people who are poorer or face more adversity are faring? While they do face hardship, they have a much better handle of it. Why? Because they belong to Christ and have recognized him as the Lord and Master of their lives. They have a deep, quiet but settled peace of mind knowing that he is always with them to help them with their hardships however he deems fit. It’s quite a delight when you meet with people who are rich in spirit, generous in heart and large in soul. They often radiate a compelling sense of confidence and joy that gives them the strength to overcome any challenge or tragedy that life throws at them.

They are under God’s care and they know it. They have entrusted their livelihood to Christ’s command and have found peace within his service. Peace like this, or contentment, should be a hallmark for every man, woman or child who puts their faith onto their Lord. But despite this peace, there is always that confounding paradox which is the illness of discontent. The discontent people have of being insecure about their wealth and unsure of themselves.

In the never-ending story that is life, people search for safety that is beyond what they can accomplish. They are restless, unsettled, covetous, greedy and desperate for more. And despite whatever fruits they may achieve, it’s never enough. But if you contrast them with the humble Catholic soul, the Shepherd’s sheep can stand up and proudly boast.

“The Lord is my Shepherd - I shall not want.”

I for one am fairly satisfied with how God has managed my life? Why may you ask? It’s because he is an experienced herder who would go out of his way to care and tend to his flock. He is a rancher who is incredible because of his fondness for his sheep and how he personally enjoys tending to us. He will always be on the job 24 hours a day seven days a week to ensure that we are properly provided for in every aspect possible. He will go to no end of trouble and labor to ensure that we are supplied with the finest grazing the richest pasture, sufficient food and water to survive the harshest elements. He will spare himself no tears to provide us shelter and protection from his enemies and all that is wicked in this world.

Is it really a surprise when Jesus himself said, “I am the Good Shepherd - the Good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep”?

From the early dawn of when we escape the womb in tears to the setting sun when our eyes close forever more, this selfless Shepherd is alert to the welfare of his flock. For Jesus rises early and goes about his daily work by tending to his flock without fail. With a practiced, searching, sympathetic and all seeing eye, he examines each of his sheep to ensure that they are fit and happy to be on their own two feet. In only a moment’s notice, he can tell if something has been troubling us-whether it be illness or harmful crime, it has his attention. He’ll cast his eyes over the flock to make sure that all is peaceful and well.

This is a stellar picture of the care given to those whose lives are under Christ’s control. He knows all about the lives from the beginning to the end. As stated here on Psalm 68: 19-20.

Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. Our God is a God of salvation; and to God, the Lord, belongs escape from death.

We are blessed to have a God who would go out of his way to save and guide us from all things evil and wicked. Who is constantly forgiving us of our sins and ensures that we can change if we make the effort to do so. It is by instilling our faith in God that we don’t have to worry so much about trivial things like building up our images to impress people. Or how we shouldn’t have to place our value on materialistic things. As long as put our faith in God, we will take care of all our wants and needs.

When have you felt God protect you or watch over you, like a shepherd does for his sheep? Discuss in the comments!