“Yea, 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” (Ps. 23:4).
All the things of the world are temporary, but those of the Lord are eternal. In biblical time, shepherds had a staff and rod just like a baseball bat that they would use. David talked about when his sheep were attacked by a wolf, or a lion, he went after them with the club. We must understand that God is greater. Even though He doesn’t have a physical club, He has got so much more. He’s so powerful and awesome. The staff was for guidance and direction. So, we have this sense of comfort from the fact that God is greater. And God is compassionate. He is able to conquer our enemies and He is able to take that staff. When we get a little off course, He gives us a little nag and keeps us on the right path.
Therefore, we have the greatest security when He is our shepherd. The rod is not to beat the sheep but to beat the wolf. When we follow the Lord as our shepherd, we have a sense of union and connection with God. David said, ‘I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever’. The day you stop acknowledging that a good shepherd is watching over you, a good shepherd is caring for you, a good shepherd is leading you, a good shepherd is restoring you, a good shepherd is overwhelming you with His goodness and mercy, you must realise that you are going astray. The day you don’t acknowledge the shepherd, you have been proud, and you’ve allowed the enemy to steal your peace and joy.
- Thank you for reading our devotional on “The Great Comforter”.