We live in a world that is never satisfied with its current state. This constant demand for more compels us to chase after what we don’t yet have, and the pursuit becomes exhausting. With new ambitions and unmet expectations always arising, nothing is ever enough. Yet, in the fullness of his love, Jesus, our Good Shepherd, reminds us that we have access to all we could ever need in him.

Consider the opening words of one of the most famous psalms in the Bible. Psalms 23:1 reads, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing” (NIV). This declaration alone echoes how our life is fully complete in a God who promises us lasting abundance in his presence.  

Before following God as sheep do their shepherds, it is natural for us to think that consuming the ways of the world will be able to satisfy us. Sheep are naturally prone to wander from the flock and are not known to make the wisest decisions. Without the guiding presence of their trusted shepherd, imminent danger surrounds them, and their likelihood of surviving is not strong.

This has been us at one time or another. We are all like sheep who have become lost in the dark valleys of this world; yet even in this desperate state, we are never left shepherdless. Jesus is always looking out for us, and when we entrust our lives to him, we are invited into the safe, luscious land of his protective presence where true contentment can be found, without end.

Sometimes, it is easy to think if we just had a new relationship, a higher paying career, a better furnished home, a nicer car, or other material comforts, life would feel more complete, and problems more resolved. This is how the world trains us: to hold onto fleeting possessions with a scarcity mindset. Instead, Christ calls us into an eternal pasture where his presence can be endlessly enjoyed. The apostle Paul shares that the secret of contentment can be experienced even in the lows of life. Philippians 4:12-13 reads,“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength”(NIV).

Our souls were never fit to be filled with the temporary treasures this world offers because our hearts were made for the things of Heaven. In Psalm 23, God reminds us that what this world offers is actually incapable of satisfying our deepest desires. We were designed for eternity, and eternity is what our inner worlds need. Thankfully, in Christ, we can shed that feeling of exhaustion or dissatisfaction and rest content in his perfect provision. The chase is over, rest has come.

There will always be new possessions and material treasures trying to draw our hearts away from the Good Shepherd. There will also be thieves and robbers, wolves in sheep’s clothing, trying to deceive us into thinking they have the right message we need to hear. But the good news is, amid this cacophony, the one true voice of the Good Shepherd continues to call us by name.

Facing hardships with Jesus rather than facing them on our own means trusting the light of his comfort and guidance even when the situation looks grim. Instead of operating out of our strength, we can trust in his ability to carry us through life. Even when life feels far from comfortable, we can rest in the truth that we are completely provided for in the pain. Even when peace feels absent, we can be confident in the plentitude of our Good Shepherd. And even when all things feel impossible, we can rejoice that we can do all things through him who equips us with strength. The struggles of life don’t automatically disappear with God as our shepherd, but we can be certain he will lead us through the deepest valleys, wherever we go. We can finally let the burdens fall off of our weary shoulders and onto the One who can firmly hold it all for us, forever.

We live in a world that is never satisfied with its current state. This constant demand for more compels us to chase after what we don’t yet have, and the pursuit becomes exhausting. With new ambitions and unmet expectations always arising, nothing is ever enough. Yet, in the fullness of his love, Jesus, our Good Shepherd, reminds us that we have access to all we could ever need in him.

Consider the opening words of one of the most famous psalms in the Bible. Psalms 23:1 reads, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing” (NIV). This declaration alone echoes how our life is fully complete in a God who promises us lasting abundance in his presence.  

Before following God as sheep do their shepherds, it is natural for us to think that consuming the ways of the world will be able to satisfy us. Sheep are naturally prone to wander from the flock and are not known to make the wisest decisions. Without the guiding presence of their trusted shepherd, imminent danger surrounds them, and their likelihood of surviving is not strong.

This has been us at one time or another. We are all like sheep who have become lost in the dark valleys of this world; yet even in this desperate state, we are never left shepherdless. Jesus is always looking out for us, and when we entrust our lives to him, we are invited into the safe, luscious land of his protective presence where true contentment can be found, without end.

Sometimes, it is easy to think if we just had a new relationship, a higher paying career, a better furnished home, a nicer car, or other material comforts, life would feel more complete, and problems more resolved. This is how the world trains us: to hold onto fleeting possessions with a scarcity mindset. Instead, Christ calls us into an eternal pasture where his presence can be endlessly enjoyed. The apostle Paul shares that the secret of contentment can be experienced even in the lows of life. Philippians 4:12-13 reads,“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength”(NIV).

Our souls were never fit to be filled with the temporary treasures this world offers because our hearts were made for the things of Heaven. In Psalm 23, God reminds us that what this world offers is actually incapable of satisfying our deepest desires. We were designed for eternity, and eternity is what our inner worlds need. Thankfully, in Christ, we can shed that feeling of exhaustion or dissatisfaction and rest content in his perfect provision. The chase is over, rest has come.

There will always be new possessions and material treasures trying to draw our hearts away from the Good Shepherd. There will also be thieves and robbers, wolves in sheep’s clothing, trying to deceive us into thinking they have the right message we need to hear. But the good news is, amid this cacophony, the one true voice of the Good Shepherd continues to call us by name.

Facing hardships with Jesus rather than facing them on our own means trusting the light of his comfort and guidance even when the situation looks grim. Instead of operating out of our strength, we can trust in his ability to carry us through life. Even when life feels far from comfortable, we can rest in the truth that we are completely provided for in the pain. Even when peace feels absent, we can be confident in the plentitude of our Good Shepherd. And even when all things feel impossible, we can rejoice that we can do all things through him who equips us with strength. The struggles of life don’t automatically disappear with God as our shepherd, but we can be certain he will lead us through the deepest valleys, wherever we go. We can finally let the burdens fall off of our weary shoulders and onto the One who can firmly hold it all for us, forever.