Rethinking Scarcity Mentality
I’m confident we’re all familiar with the term scarcity mentality. If not, it’s the internal belief that there’s not enough of whatever we need—finances, skill, time, resources, opportunities and a host of other things. Yet the fact is it’s a distorted mindset. It’s a perception and a faulty one at that. Not to mention the fact that it’s certainly not based on faith, nor does it acknowledge a vital truth and description of God as He is our Shepherd.
Of all the beautiful ways God describes Himself, one of the most tender is that of Shepherd—the One who cares for us, goes before us, protects us, provides for us, and ultimately lays down His life for us.
But here’s the truth:
Knowing He is Shepherd and experiencing Him as Shepherd are two completely different things. One is head knowledge; the other is personal connection. King David understood this distinction and in Psalm 23 he gives us six vivid descriptions of God’s shepherding care, ending with the climactic, reassuring reminder of His constant goodness and mercy pursuing us all the days of our lives (Psalm 23:6).
This is truly an amazing Psalm from start to finish. Yet, for right now I’d like to draw our attention to one very specific line:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” Psalm 23:1 NLT
This treasured verse is one we’ve all most likely memorized, prayed, recited, perhaps even sung. Still we must consider: Is it profound to us? Does it shape the way we see God? The way we see ourselves as sheep under the watchful care of a loving Shepherd?
I’m convinced that when David penned these words, it was more than a poetic lyric to him. It was a vital truth he believed about God.
David believed God was his Shepherd and this belief emboldened him to stand before a giant when no one else would. It bolstered him when he was rejected by family and friends. It also empowered him when he was pursued by delusional King Saul. And it humbled him when he was confronted by Nathan.
You see, David’s confidence didn’t come from his skill, his strength, or his position, it came from his Shepherd.
This is why I believe this is a truth we also need to rehearse regularly.
In the hustle of everyday life, it’s easy to lose sight of this reality: the Lord is our Shepherd. And when we do, we can easily cycle through a long list of toxic untruths. Beginning with: I am not enough.
And in one very real sense, this is true.
The fact is on our own, none of us are enough. Left to ourselves, we all come up short. Apart from the Spirit of Jesus at work within us, we are all severely lacking.
That’s the sobering news.
But the better news, the news David believed and modeled, is this:
Because the Lord is not only the Shepherd, but our Shepherd, we are fully supplied and equipped with everything we need.
We do have what it takes and more for all that God has called us to.
We do have the Helper continually working through us, guiding us, strengthening us, and aligning our steps with God’s good purpose.
And we do have Jesus, our Chief Shepherd, leading us, restoring us, encouraging us, and faithfully reminding us that we have all we will ever need in Him.
And when we believe this—really believe this—we can walk out our uniquely designed life paths with confidence, perseverance, and continual hope.
Because God is not asking us to be enough. He reminds us He already is.
So perhaps today consider any untruth based on a scarcity mentality you’ve bought into. Then reject that lie and say out loud:
The Lord is my Shepherd; I have all that I need.
Pray
Father God, I am so grateful that You are not only Shepherd, but my Shepherd. I recognize that in You and because of You, I have—and will always have—everything I need. Forgive me for the times I lean into self rather than You; it never leads me where I truly want to go. Help me instead to consistently depend on You, knowing You are more than able to meet my every need. Amen.
Reflect
Which step in God’s well‑ordered instructions—coming, seeing, or going—is Jesus inviting you to take in this season of your life?
My friends, your thoughts matter! I’d love to hear from you. Consider sharing your responses in the comment section below!