"Those Seeking Jehovah Will Lack for Nothing Good" - "I WiLL LACK NOTHING"

 What did David mean when he said that Jehovah's servants would "lack nothing good"? We can get an idea bby considering the similar wording found in the 23rd Psalm. (Psalm 23:1-6) David introduces that psalm with the words:  "The Lord Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall not want." In the rest of the Psalm, David mentions things that are of true lasting value-the abundant spiritual blessing he enjoys by accepting Jehovah as his Shepherd.  Jehovah leasds him "in the paths of righteousness," and He loyally supports David in good times and in bad times. David acknowledges that his life in Jehovah's "grassy pastures" will not be trouble free. At times, he may get discouraged, as if walking "in the valley of deep shadow,: and he will have enemies. But with Jehovah as his Shepherd, David will feel no harm." 

So here we have the answer to our question.  In what way did David lack nothing good"? Spiritually speaking, he had everything he needed. His happiness was not dependant on material things.  David was satisfied with what Jehovah provided.  What mattered most to him was the blessing and the protection of his God.

From David's word, we can  see how important it is for us to have a proper view of material things.  We can certainly enjoy whatever material possessions we have, but we should not make them the focus of our life. That was a vital truth that first-century Christians living in Judea came to understand.  (Read Luke 21:20-24)  Jesus had warned thaem that the time would come when the city of Jerusalem would be "surrounded  by encamped armies."  When that occurred, they needed to "begin fleeing  to the mountains."  The Watchtower put it this way:  "They left fields and homes, not even gathering their possessions from their houses.  Confident of the protection and support of Jehovah , they put their worship ahead of everything else that might seem important." 

What sobering lesson can we learn from what happened to the first-century Christians in Judea?  The Watchtower just mentioned said:  "There may be tests ahead of us as to how we view material things; are they the most important thing, or is the salvation that will comefor all on God's side more important? Yes,  our fleeing may involve some hardships and deprivations. We will have to be ready to do whatever it takes, as did our first-century counterparts who fled from Judea." 

Can you imagine how difficult it was for those Chrisitans to leave almost everything hey had and start over?  It took faith on their part to rely on Jehovah for their basic needs. But they were not without help. Five years before the Romans surrounded Jerusalm, the apostle paul gave the Hebrews some valuable advice: "Let your way of life be free of the love of money, while you are content with the present things.  For he has said: I will never leave you and I will never abandon you.' So that we may be of good courage and say:  "Jehovah is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"'  (Hebrews 13:5, 6) No doubt thsoe who took to heart Paul's advice before the Roman invasion found it easier to adapt to what might have been a modest lifestyle in their new home.  They were certain that Jehovah would care for their basic needs. Paul's word assure us that we can have the same confidence. 

Next time: "Those Seeking Jehovah Will Lack for Nothing Good" - "WE WILL BE CONTENT WITH THESE THINGS"

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