Wants and needs
One of the biggest struggles today is differentiating between wants and needs. Want in the Psalm we just read deals with to lack, be without, decrease, be lacking, have a need. But when it deals with want(s) are those things what we really do not need, they are luxuries that portray themselves as needs. According to a poll Americans spend about 1,450 on nonessentials causing a hurt on their finances. A quick summary on nonessential monthly spending goes like this; $200 in restaurants, $188 drinks, $84 online shopping, $17 bottled water. God promised that he will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory (Ph4:19). Jesus said that if God clothes the flowers of the field with splendor, how much more will he supply our needs (Mt6:30). God makes sure that all your needs are met, everything else that comes your way is add on, and he does this in front of everyone as a display of his mighty acts. His name as provider is JEHOVAH-JIREH, which means the Lord will provide.
Psalms 23:1-4
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
The question is, in front of who does God displays his mighty providence? Why does God choose to provide for us after all the bible does say that if a man wants to eat, he needs to work (2Th3:10). David outlines 4 areas where God’s providence is active in our daily needs. First to lie down in green pastures which refers to our daily need of physical and spiritual bread (v2). Next, he leads us beside still waters, which refers to God’s guidance and refreshing experiences (v2b). Our soul is on a daily basis in need of restoration, with all the afflictions and hurt that our soul experiences he restores (v3a). With his word he leads us in the path of righteousness, what pleases him (v3b).
And this he does in front of everyone especially his enemies, providing for our needs God is not ashamed off. Walking through the valley of the shadow of death has this sense of want and void, giving indications that God has stopped providing although he has not. His providence is this table that God spreads before us while the enemy is looking in a form of inevitability. The blessing of the Lord in our lives cannot be stopped. We have 3 that take shape of an enemy, the devil, man and our own families. The enemy is one that causes distress, to show hostility. God makes sure that our daily stressors know that we have him on our side, and this he does with his providence. We know it as the blessing of the Lord (Pro10:22). The preparation of the table implies favor on from the host to the guest.
Philippians 4:19
19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Matthew 6:30
30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
2 Thessalonians 3:10
10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
Proverbs 10:22
22 The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.