“The Lords is my shepherd, I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1)
What are you afraid to lose?
Your job? Your comfort? Your lifestyle? Your friends or family members? Your marriage? Your money? Your health?
Do we fear loss more when we have much to lose?
The psalmist trusts God will provide for his needs, like the shepherd provides for his sheep. Needs are, of course, different from wants. We may want a juicy hamburger, but we need whatever will satiate our hunger and nourish our body.
God has provided for our needs through God’s good creation. There are enough food, water and sheltering resources for everyone to have enough. But greed and fear of loss drive many to hoard more than their share.
Loss is inevitable in life. We cycle through endings and beginnings, death and resurrection. But we do not journey through these seasons or cycles alone; we do not grieve our losses without our shepherd’s love and support. Our fear of loss need not keep us from claiming all that God offers to move forward in faith-or loosening our grip to share our abundance.
Examine: Sit with our fear of loss. Breathe. Notice thoughts and feelings that arise.
Imagine: Imagine God sitting next to you as a shepherd. Notice how your shepherd has provided all you need. Allow yourself to feel satisfied and safe. Allow yourself to let go of your fear of loss.
Pray: Free me from fear, O God, so I can live with faith. Amen.
