Psalms 23:4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
"He comforts me"
The shepherd carries a rod and a staff with him as he herds the sheep. These tools are used to protect the sheep. The rod and staff mean some things to the sheep.
The rod --> corrects us. It's a straight stick. The rod was used for chastisement. It is also used for fighting. The shepherd could defend the enemy with the rod. It makes me think of the Word of God. It's our tool to fight against the flesh, world, and Devil. Without the Word we can't make it.
The staff --> leads us. Something to lean on. The staff was used to draw the sheep back to the shepherd. It is a long thin stick with a hook on the end. The hook was used to pull the sheep away from danger. It makes me think of the Holy Spirit. He whispers peace when we need it, and sometimes he softly says "no" when we are heading toward danger...that is the staff doing its job.
When going through a valley these can be a comfort. Comfort means: to strengthen, to invigorate, to cheer or to enliven, support. I can look back and remember all the times the rod and staff have helped me make it through valley after valley. Remembering how the Word of God and the Holy Spirit have supported me day by day that comforts my heart through the valley. Hebrews 13:8 says Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. He never changes so think about how he got you through the other valleys and that'll encourage your heart to believe He will get you through this valley. He can do it again and He will..just believe! Let the rod and staff comfort you today.
"Let God's promises shine on your problems." -Corrie ten Boom
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