Jul 31 – Aug 01, 2021
From the Pastor’s Desk: Rev. Jason Cheung
“Did you pack your lunch?”
“Your hat?”
“Where are your sunglasses?!”
Before stepping outside this summer, these are the questions we always ask our three children. In other words:
Be prepared.
Protect yourself.
Make sure you’re not in a position where you lack.
Much of my life has been a long preparation to not lack. My education, instilled well into me, was the ticket up the ladder of security. Work hard so you may have everything you need. Do well in school, so you’ll have no deficiencies. Even in relationships: be a good friend, so you don’t become lonely.
I eventually noticed that even good things were not good in themselves, but merely means so I lack nothing.
So, this was my way of life:
Get a good job. I lack nothing.
Save, plan and invest well. I lack nothing.
Be kind and loving, so others will be the same to you. I lack nothing.
To be sure, a vocation that makes a good living is good. Being financially wise and a steward is very good. And of course, in all our relationships, acting in kindness and love, is truly the way of Christ. But, notice how all these good things can be turned, ever so slightly, for the ultimate benefit of ourselves.
David wrote the beloved Psalm 23 out of a view of life that was far from perfect, yet he dwelled in goodness. There were dark valleys to walk through, evil to contend with and enemies near. Yet, David writes from an assured place with the Lord, his Shepherd. He begins with calm and confidence: The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing.
In my life, I have rushed many things, anxious to not be left behind, eager to be ahead of the pack. I have made plans. Prepared for worst-case scenarios. Controlled the schedule of my life as much as I could. And yet, my plans fail. So, these words pull me deeper: The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing.
The great challenge is to recognize every way we have filled our lack with self-sufficiency. And instead, to look to the Lord, as David did, seeing him as he is: our good and loving Shepherd. In Him, we lack nothing.