I shall not want
During my husband’s illness, a friend shared a book with us entitled God’s Psychiatry: Healing for Your Troubled Heart.* Overwhelmed with caregiving at the time, I put the book aside. I discovered it recently and began to read this little book filled with wisdom and hope for the hurting heart and soul.
Healing is, of course, something that we all need at times, but the term “psychiatry” can have some unsettling implications. But if it is God’s psychiatry, that should make it okay–right?
Dr. Charles Allen explains in his introduction that the word psychiatry is derived from two Greek words–psyche and iatreia. Psyche means the person and is often translated as breath, soul, mind or reason. Iatreia means treatment, healing, and restoration.
So…
Psychiatry can mean ‘healing of the mind’ or as David might have said, ‘the restoring of my soul’.”
Dr. Charles L. Allen
When a loved one dies, we fall into a deep, dark void that seems beyond our ability to escape from. Our mind may dwell on what we should have done differently or the bleakness of a future without our loved one. Our soul feels the deep emptiness of grief and despair.
We need healing and restoration and no one but God can give that to us.
Dr. Allen prescribes reading Psalm 23–five times a day.
The first verse is mind boggling:
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. Psalm 23:1 (NIV).
That’s really straight forward, isn’t it? David states plainly that since God is his shepherd, he has exactly what he needs. My mind can accept that, but my heart cries out, “NO! I don’t have all I need. I want my loved one back.”
But, the King James Version is even more specific:
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 23:1 (KJV)
I shall not want…
How many of us can say that? (and really mean it?)
Dr. Allen points out that verse one is a statement of the psalmist’s (David’s) strong faith. Just as the sheep trust the shepherd’s plan for food, shelter, and protection on a daily basis, Psalm 23 begins with David’s acknowledgment of his full trust in his God.
My dog greets me at the door each morning, no matter if it’s 6:30 a.m. (my usual morning feeding time) or later (if I sleep in a little). She’s very happy to see me because she knows that I’m going to feed her. I’m going to love her and pet her. I’m going to take care of her.
She trusts me to supply all her needs. Do I trust my God to supply all my needs? All my wants?
God is healing me. The process is not as fast as I would like, but as we all know, God does things on His timetable, not ours. I cannot say at this time that I have all I want–but as my husband once reminded me…
God gives us all we need.
I’m taking Dr. Allen’s prescription and reading Psalm 23 multiple times daily–not all at once, but throughout the day.
What might happen if we all took that prescription? Could our country begin the healing process? Can we put our faith and trust in God to guide us to love one another and work together?
Will you pray with me?
Father, help us to have the faith and trust in you that your servant David possessed. As the sheep trust the shepherd, may we have that same unfailing trust in our shepherd, Jesus. Because of your great gift of love, Christ our Savior, we have all we need. We lack nothing.
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8
Next week? Psalm 23:2
*Dr. Charles L. Allen. God’s Psychiatry: Healing for Your Troubled Heart. Revell, Grand Rapids, 2015 (originally published in 1953).
Katherine, I think God was keeping this book for just the right time for you! I really appreciated what you said that although you may be able to accept mentally that God gives you all you need, but your heart cries out for your loved one.
How brave of you to write of your grief and healing journey, and I pray that Psalm 23 will help bring that healing in God’s time!
Thank you, Kathy. I’m so grateful for your encouragement and prayers. I agree, God reminded me of this book when I was ready for it. It’s a good one for anyone that is struggling with grief, pain, or a trial (and aren’t we all!)
Psalm 23 is a favorite passage of mine – it can teach us so much and can apply to our different areas of need. Looking forward to more!
I’ve always liked Psalm 23, but by reading it so often the last few weeks, I’ve gained a much greater appreciation for these short, yet intense, verses of scripture. David uses such vivid imagery to show the strength of his faith in God. Oh, to have such faith!
Such a very true statement my friend; there are some hurts, disappointments, and painful moments that ONLY GOD can help us through. Oh to have enough faith to agree with Psalm 23:1 in all aspects of my life. To be as dependent upon Him as my livestock, pets, and family are upon me. Thank you for this encouraging, inward look today. Had to stop and pray that God help remind me each day that He is the giver of all that I want and need. God’s blessings ma’am as you make your way through this season of grief. I’ll be waiting on the other shore my friend; having been one of your many friends that prayed you through the journey.
J.D. I too, am praying for such a faith as David exemplifies. I’m so thankful for your prayers, my friend. God is with us and He, our Savior, and the Holy Spirit are all we need, but the encouragement of our friends on our journey of faith is so helpful. Wishing you a blessed week!
Katherine, what a strong, encouraging post that will bless so many readers. How beautifully you express God’s care for us. Blessings to you and you continue to lean on Him. I can’t wait for your next post.
Thank you, Jeannie. I’m so grateful for your encouragement and prayers. God is helping me cope and I’m thankful that He has sent loving friends to support me on this journey.
Thank you. I appreciate the way you shared the healing power of God’s word. This very verse sustained me through a dark time in my life.
I’m thankful that Psalm 23 is a message from God (via David) that helps us all through those dark times. God is our Master healer and He is only a prayer away. Thank you for stopping by my blog, Carla, and for your encouragement. Wishing you continued blessing, for family and your ministry.
Katherine, Psalm 23 has spoken to my soul many times. I enjoyed reading your post today. What an assurance in the times we face.
God’s Word is a balm for our weary souls. We are so blessed to have Him with us through this time of conflict and I pray that we will turn to Him for guidance and protection. I’m thankful for your ministry, Debbie.
Psalm 23 has comforted me through a deep time of grief as well. Your post was beautiful, and I appreciated how God is using His Word as a comfort in your pain. Thank you for sharing His comfort with us.
Thank you, Sylvia. I never realized the complete beauty of Psalm 23 until I began reading it to my husband during his illness. Now, afterwards, I’m receiving the benefits of the psalm’s healing power. I’m so grateful we have God’s Word in our times of need. May God bless you.
Those items we seem to run across “by chance” are exactly where we need them to be at the time God appoints. What an encouraging post for our times. God bless!
Oh, I agree, Nancy, God sends items, messages, or people into our lives at just the right time for our needs. Of course, then we must make the decision whether to accept the message or not. Thank you!