The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Psalm 23:1

I skim over this verse because I know it so well because it’s so popular because it’s a great analogy because it’s so catchy.

I don’t think I give it the proper attention until I pause enough to consider it anew.

I cannot remember a time where there wasn’t something that I wanted. Usually a lot of something’s. At any one time there are things I want to get (sooner rather than later), relationships I want to develop, tasks I want to finish, accolades I want to receive…the list goes on.

What am I doing wrong?

I don’t think that God is going to remove the desires for things of this world—many of them are good in right proportion.

But I do think that when He becomes central to my life, everything else gets put into better perspective.

When I was drinking, there was little doubt that my own wants were at the forefront of my life: my thoughts and my actions revolved around serving myself. Because I was leading myself.

Here is the great truth from this well known psalm—He will do the leading. And as he does, we will learn to stop wanting to be our own guides.

There isn’t as much instant self-centered and short-lived gratification. There is a growing satisfaction in being deep-rooted in a faith with substance.

This lets me hold the wants that still cross my mind both more loosely and with a fresh perspective.

God, help me look to you for the direction of my life and not worry about the little wants of the world.