Thrive not Survive

The Lord is my Shepherd, there is nothing I shall want PS 23:1-3A

I think oftentimes, when we hear that infamous Psalm, the thought is that because we have God, we should not want for anything. We should be well-fed and well-rested, we should not be afraid or anxious. Only good stuff will happen to us, because God is our Shepherd. All because we believe in God.That doesn't sound quite right to me; this idea that because we believe, we are never going to want.

That passive attitude that by believing, things are all going to be okay is a dangerous one. To have the faith of a child, to have the ability to truly rely on the Lord is an important one, but God is not there to do everything for us. We are called to work and to persevere with God beside us every day. In Paul's letter to the Philippians, we are reminded that we can do all. But there is more context to that quote than just the thirteenth line.

 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.  Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. Philippians 4:11-14

What is being taught is a further, deeper understanding of the Lord's providence. There is more to it than just being provided for, but the reality is we can survive it all through God, the good or the bad. We may want all kinds of things, we may desire the world, but with God walking beside us through that dark valley, we can do more than survive it, we can thrive in it.

We have greater goals than not wanting for anything. There is more to achieve, more to want than just not being in humble circumstances. Abundance or suffering does not matter, as long as you trust in the Lord to help you survive whatever is in front of you.