What is the one thing that separates you from joy?

Fill in the blank: "I'll be happy when__________."

With that in mind, if you never get it could you be happy?  If not, you are living in the prison of want.

At this time of the year when everyone is thinking about what they want, it is a good time to reflect on this, if you have a shepherd, you have grace for every trail, direction for every step, an anchor for every storm.  So really you have everything you need, right? No one can take it from you.  You are so blessed to be a part of the greatest kingdom of all.  Paul writes, "I have learned to be satisfied with the things I have and with everything that happens. I know how to live when I am poor, and I know how to live when I have plenty." (Phil 4:11-12) NCV

There was a leaper in Tabago.  A short term missionary met her on a mission trip.  On the last day of the trip the missionary was leading worship. He asked if there were any requests for a worship song.  A woman with no ears, no nose, no lips, and the most disfigured face he had ever seen, raised her fingerless hand and asked, "Can we sing, Count Your Many Blessings?"  The missionary started the song but couldn't finish it. He said later that he would never sing that song again in the same way.

The truth is, when you say, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want, " you're covered---you have everything you need.