Psalm 23: Still Waters & the Shepherd's TaleSýnishorn

Every year—on my birthday, Christmas, Father’s Day—my wife and kids ask me the same question:

"What do you want?"

Now, if they had asked me this when I was 10 or 11, I probably would’ve had a whole list ready to go. But at this point in life? The truth is, if I really need something, I just get it. And if I can’t get it, well, I probably don’t need it that much.

Does that mean I’m wealthy? That depends on how you measure wealth. By my state’s standards? Not exactly. But in the grand scheme of things? I have everything I need—and then some. And for that, I’m incredibly grateful.

So when they ask, “Dad, what do you want?” I take a look around, run the question through my brain, and every time, I land on the same answer:

"I have everything I need."

And let me tell you—that’s a good feeling. To know I’ve been so blessed in life that there’s nothing I lack? That’s a privilege I don’t take for granted.

But it wasn’t always this way.

As a kid, I thought I needed things. Let’s be real—I didn’t need them, I wanted them. Because the truth is, my parents took care of my real needs. I didn’t have to worry about food, shelter, or safety. They had me covered.

And I imagine David had a similar realization when he wrote Psalm 23:1:

"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing."

When he looked back at his life—from being anointed as a teenager to defeating lions, bears, even Goliaths—he had to pause and recognize just how much God had provided for him.

And you, my friend? You have a Shepherd too. One who takes care of you, who provides for you, who grants you favor and protection—even when you don’t realize it. Even when you take it for granted.

And that Shepherd? He loves you so much that He gave His life for you.

So take a look around. Your life might not be perfect by the world’s standards. But like David, you have a Shepherd.

And because of that—you have everything you need.