In 2021, we decided to take a big leap of faith and leave the job that I’d been at for 9.5 years in order for me to be a stay-at-home mom. And then, hello 2022 – supply chain shortages, gas, grocery, and property tax increases. Are you feeling the pinch on your bank account, too?

I’ve often wondered if we made a mistake. If we’d known what was coming if we would have made a different decision. But deep down, I am confident that we had peace about the decision and we are willing to live tight in order for me to be with our kiddo full time.

Maybe you’re there, too. Maybe you’re single and a little stressed that if something happens, you don’t have a spouse to fall back on or help (I used to feel this way). Or maybe you are married and trying to buy a house in this crazy market. You’ve put in 10 offers and still nothing. All you want is a home and not to work 5 jobs just to pay for a house. Or maybe you’re like me, a family living on one income and feeling the stress of a budget that is shrinking due to forces you can’t control.

This week, one sweet mantra keeps echoing in my head:

The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want. 

These are the first words of Psalm 23, often read at funerals because of verse 4 (even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…). While this whole psalm is worth studying and clinging to, verse 1 is my mantra.

Why?

I love the image of a Shepherd. And in a world gone crazy, I love the image of God gently nudging and leading His sheep, diligently seeking after the ones who stray or get lost. There is a strength there, a selfless motivation to protect those under His care.

And that second piece is the biggest for me right now: I shall not want. Another translation that I’ve read says it best…

It’s not just that I shouldn’t want. But this verse reminds me that as a child of the King under my Shepherd’s care, I have ALL that I need. This is echoed through Scripture in so many places:

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:26
“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day.'” Exodus 16:4

Here’s what I see. He provides enough for today (that’s even what we are told to pray in the Lord’s Prayer). He cares for us greatly. And as people created in His image, we are far more valuable than the birds, which he provides for.

I have all that I need. And truthfully, far more than I need.

That may seem simplified. That may seem hurtful or challenging, depending on your situation. But when I cling to the truth—He cares, He provides, He replenishes—then I don’t stress when about what is outside of my control. I trust Him to be faithful. And I anticipate how He will provide. It’s been sweet to see when I’m looking for it.

Your turn! How have you seen the Lord provide, whether currently, or in your past?

“The Lord is your shepherd. You have all that you need.”

Until next time, Warrior!