The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD shall not lack good thing.
Psalms 34:10
Many worldly minded and non-Christians often remark, “the Bible is full of prohibitions and rules” Too many “shall nots”, “must do this and that”. The fact is, if we study carefully the Word, many of God’s most precious promises uses the phrase “shall not ” in a diametrically opposite way, not listing prohibitions, but provisions! It’s only by making comparisons and contrasting with opposites that we could appreciate the essences of God’s goodness and provisions for us. There are many verses with such beautiful examples.
One such verse is the opening verse of the much-loved 23rd Psalm—“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Or, in the words of our verse, “they that seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing.” There is the great promise of salvation and everlasting life: “He that hear these words, and believe in him that sent me, will have everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation” (Jn 5:24)
Following salvation, there is promise of divine guidance. “He follows me shall now not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (Jn 8:12). We can rejoice with the psalmist with such assurance: “The LORD. . . is at my right hand, I shall not be moved; . . . Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD uphold him with his hand” (Psalm 16:8; 37:24).
As we look further, no matter how great the trial, the Lord will not leave us. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you” (Isa 43:2). God’s Word and God’s purposes can never fail. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Mt 24:35). “Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Mt 16:18) and “Sin shall not have dominion over you” (Romans 6:14).
May The Lord grant us grace to not resent God’s “negative” commands, for His gracious promises are far greater and any pledge in this world! In fact , all his promises are yes and amen and that we may take delight in all His promises.
