As we approach Thanksgiving, I was thinking about all the things in my life I can honestly say I’m thankful for.
Although many things initially came to mind and you could probably rattle off a list similar to mine, my mind started going in a different direction.

I began thinking of Psalm 23.
It’s a very familiar Psalm.
Most of us can quote it without much thought, but I began to see it in a different light.

I began thinking of it in terms of thankfulness and realized it’s my perfect list for Thanksgiving this year.

Verse 1:
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

You have to realize that in many ways, this has been an incredibly difficult year for me.
There have been quite a few major disappointments and setbacks in plans Justin and I have made.

In spite of everything, I’m thankful and content.
Why?
Because the LORD is my Shepherd.

He’s the One guarding me and guiding me.
He’s the One watching out, not only for my soul, but for my life as well.

Those setbacks and disappointments didn’t catch Him off guard.
They occurred for my good and His glory, though they didn’t seem good at the time.
My Shepherd doesn’t make mistakes.

LORD in all caps?
That’s not a mistake or an accident. It was put in the Bible that way on purpose, and it has meaning.

That name is Jehovah.
The One who told Moses his name was I AM.
The One who brought His children out of Egypt and watched over them in the wilderness.
The One who watched over David as he wrote this Psalm.
The One who watches over us, over me, still today.

He’s the God who Is.
That’s my Shepherd.

And I’m one of His sheep.
He keeps me safe and protected, and I have need of nothing.
I belong to Him and He belongs to me.

Even though there are disappointments and heartaches, even though some days I cry until no more tears will come, I can still say with all honesty, “I shall not want.”

I have Him ~the Good Shepherd who gave His life for this sheep~ watching over me, caring for me, and loving me.
Knowing I’m one of His is enough to satisfy my soul….and I’m thankful.

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”