The wonderful thing about living life as the masterpiece God created you to be is that He has already made all the provision for the vision of your life. When you truly understand how God provides you will experience a worry free life. His provision is not something that will happen rather He has already provided for all of our needs, past present and future. Our part of living in His provision is all about relationship and trust. The Psalmist put it this way: “The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need.” (Ps. 23:1 NLT)
Worry Free Living
I had the privilege of growing up on my Grandparents farm in Ohio. I learned the ways of a shepherd from watching my Grandfather raise sheep, and I learned the characteristics of sheep. I watched my grandfather many times go to meet the needs of his sheep. Not only when it was convenient but whenever they had a need. In the cold of winter he would dress warmly and track through the snow and blowing wind to meet their needs. As their shepherd he met all of their needs! They were totally dependent on him.
Interesting to me is the fact that we are the only living creatures that worry. We worry as to whether or not our daily needs will be met…whether our future needs will be met. I never recall thinking that my grandfather’s sheep were worried about whether or not he would be there to meet their needs. The sheep knew him as their shepherd and instinctively knew he had made provision for all their needs, even before they knew they had a need.
It’s Personal
The Psalmist starts this great Psalm with a statement: “The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need.” Not a petition or request but a statement! It is a very personal statement at that. He does not say “our shepherd”, rather “my shepherd”.
I read a story many years ago – (The source is unknown.) – of an old man and a young man on the same stage before a great audience. As part of a special program, they were to both recite Psalm 23. The young man was well trained in speech and drama. As he began reciting Psalm 23, the audience was awed. At the conclusion, the crowd rose to their feet in applause and shouted for an encore.
The old man made his way to the microphone. Using his cane to lean on, he began to speak in a frail and broken voice…”The Lord is my shepherd…”
When he finished, no one made a sound. There seemed to be a ‘holy hush’ on the crowd as though they were praying.
The young man stood and made the following statement: “Friends, I wish to give you an explanation. You asked me to come back and give you an encore, but when my friend finished you remained silent. The difference? I will tell you…I know the Psalm, but he knows the Shepherd!”
God will meet all of your needs, but first you must answer the question,” is He Lord?” In modern day terms ‘Lord’ simply means to be the C.E.O., the Manager, the Director of your life. In other words He is the one calling the shots.
It is much like when I first met my wife. We courted and developed a relationship. Soon the day came when we consummated that relationship with the commitment of marriage. Many people have developed a relationship with God, have spent time getting to know him and yet have not made the commitment of Lordship. As you make that choice, you will be able to declare with confident assurance the faith statement, “The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need”. It is a worry free life! Through Lordship, He becomes the shepherd of your life. As the shepherd He promises provision for the vision He has placed within your life as His masterpiece.
Take The Next Steps Today Toward His Provision
Prayerfully consider the vision God has for you as His masterpiece. Do you trust Him completely as your provider or are you striving and worrying? Ask Him to help you trust Him today as your provider. Affirm in your heart and mind throughout the day, God has made provision for my vision.