Do you remember being little and “wishing” for everything? Another word for wishing is wanting. If those desires are not guided properly they can lead to disillusionment and discontentment, not only in children but in adults as well.
So, this morning we’re going to learn one more lesson from our wooly, four-legged friends.
There was a time when my conversation was filled with the things I wanted – a new house, a new job, to lose weight, more friends, more money, less bills. But that’s not the mindset of a sheep. They are content to follow the shepherd, they are content in the pasture.
Sheep are known for lacking in intelligence, some would call them dumb. Not to be insulting but isn’t that the way it is with us. We think we know what’s best for us but left by ourselves we will get in trouble. We will be lost and in need of rescuing.
“Then Jesus told them this story: 4 “Suppose one of you has 100 sheep, but one of them gets lost. What will you do? You will leave the other 99 sheep there in the field and go out and look for the lost sheep. You will continue to search for it until you find it. 5 And when you find it, you will be very happy. You will carry it 6 home, go to your friends and neighbors and say to them, ‘Be happy with me because I found my lost sheep!’” Luke 15:3-6 ERV
And when we are lost, our Good Shepherd will come searching for us, bringing us to a place of safety and provision.
When we are with the Shepherd, we can be safe and content.
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1 KJV
“You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.” Psalm 23:1 CEV
The Apostle Paul put it this way in his writing to the Christians in Philippi.
“… for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13 NLT
How could Paul be content in every situation? The answer is clear. Contentment comes from Christ.
The Lord doesn’t want us worried or wanting. He knows what we need, He wants us living in a place of trust.
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:21-33 NLT
Lord forgive me today for my wanting. I thank you that you bless me beyond measure because of Your great love. You supply all I need and more. You’re the Good Shepherd and I will follow you!
