Comfort

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

The shepherd used the rod to club wild animals and the staff to keep the sheep under control.

The rod and staff represent God's presence and involvement in our lives as individuals.

If a lamb wandered away a few times, the shephered would break one its legs.  Then he would bandage up the leg and tuck the lamb into his cloack.  He carried it around with him until the leg healed.  All the while he talked to, played with, stroked and cuddled the lamb. By the time the leg healed, that sheep was so used to being close by the shepherd that he no longer wandered away.

God disciplines us. Why?  To make us holy. Remember verse 3? He guides me in paths of righteousness?

Proverbs 3:11-12 "My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, a father the son he delights in."

Hebrews 12:9-11 "Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

It brings me security to know God loves me enough to discipline me.  Think about your children. They may push and push and push the boundaries but it brings them great security to know that their parents loves them enough to set up those boundaries and enforce them.

(Note: To read previous Psalm 23 posts, click on the Psalm 23 label to the right under my family photos.)