10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
Psalms 34:10
Explanation
Young lions are among the most agile and self sufficient animals in nature. They are strong. They are ferocious, and they are feared. Yet for are their capacity to fend for themselves, they still lack. There are times where they go after prey and expend a lot of energy hunting only to come up empty.
The same can be true for us. We depend on our own education, resources, personalities, network, and talents. We think that with these things, sometimes things we take credit for, we will be able to succeed on our own.
The truth is that many have been successful for a time utilizing these capacities. Yet we must remember that they are gifts from God. When we depend on them exclusively, and do not look to the Lord in thanks, or look to the Lord for provision, it is not good for us.
The psalmist contrasts those that seek the Lord with these lions. He does not say anything about the capacity of those that seek the Lord. He only says something about their disposition. They seek the Lord. And what does the Lord do for those who seek him? He provides. “They shall not want any good thing.”
Application
I think a great application for these verses is that passage in Jeremiah.
23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:
24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
Jeremiah 9:23-24
If you have sought the Lord, and He has provided for you, you should praise Him. You should praise Him with other people. You should encourage them with your example, and your words to praise the God who is good, who delivers, and who provides.
Response
God, while I am responsible for stewarding your gifts to me, I know that I am not the source of them. I praise You for how you have provided for me. Help me not to lean on my own gifting by not praising You and giving You credit. I worship You today and praise You for Your provision for me. Amen
Praise the Lord oh my soul and all that is within me, praise His Holy name!!!
That is what comes to mind as I read your devotional today! Thank you for the beautiful reminder!
you are my Lord, my provider , my redeemer, my shield, my everything, you taught me to belive and relay on you , oh my rock of salvation.