When I’m Afraid, I Won’t Have Enough

By Melissa Tetley, Toronto, Canada

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. – Psalm 23:1

Last year, I was at a crossroads. No matter how many strategies I implemented, I was not able to manage the stress of my job, which took a huge toll on me emotionally, physically and spiritually. I was irritable, depleted, and insecure. I was afraid of serious repercussions if I continued on this path. The thought of resigning was tough because I was so afraid that I would be left wanting. Would I be happy in my new career? Was I the problem, and not the job? Would our family have enough?

I decided on a new career, which seemed to align with the values important to me, except one – financial security. The church elders prayed for me for one year to have clarity about my career and, after that year, I was still unsure. A dear friend told me that I had prayed long enough, and it was time to decide. So, with trepidation, I stepped out with a mustard seed of faith, honestly borrowing faith from others because I could not see how it was all going to work out. I resigned from my well-paying, secure job and ventured into a completely new field.

Little did I know, this was the worst time to jump into this field, when sales were the lowest in 30 years. During the following 15 months, I put a lot of effort into the job, but no income came. Did I make the wrong move? Was I deficient in some way? Was God going to provide like he promises?

Can you relate? Have you felt afraid that you would not be enough, or have enough?

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

God knows what we need in every area of our lives. He is our good shepherd. He knows us. He watches over us. He guides us. He gives us what we need. For me, what I needed most, more than income, was time – time with my shepherd, time to reflect, to get help to overcome some deep rooted insecurities that I am not enough. And my shepherd knows that I need income too; and He is providing this at just the right time. I am awaiting my first paycheck this month!

God knows what you need too. He is your good shepherd. You are enough in Him. And he will not leave you wanting. In your uncertainty, don’t pull away from your shepherd. Lean into him through his Word, song and prayer, and he will reassure you that he will give you everything you need.

Reflection Questions

Isaiah 50:10 What step can you take to trust and rely on God amid a situation in which you see no light, no clear path?

Psalm 34:5 Think back on a time when you felt fearful but looked to God for security. What lessons learned can you apply to your current situation?

Melissa Tetley lives in Toronto, Canada, with her husband and two children. She is a realtor and loves helping people find their perfect home. Some of her favorite pastimes are shopping for home décor, baking, spending time with family and friends ... and everything Disney!