Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.” vs. 4
Psalm 23:4-6
Since we all will walk through dark valleys in the course of life’s journeys, particularly when our enemy death casts its ugly shadow, this verse brings enormous comfort. It’s good to know that the Shepherd is always near and travels with us through tough times. But the psalmist says that our greatest comfort comes, not from the Lord’s presence but from his rod and staff, and we wonder what that means. Some biblical scholars tell us that the rod and staff are what a shepherd used to ward off dangerous predators on the way, and we like that picture. We like having a defender in life, someone who can take a hard swat at tormenting bullies. It’s good to have a protector.
But that’s not all that a shepherd uses a staff for! In fact the most frequent use for a rod in the world of shepherding is to give a hard whack to the side of any sheep who wanders from the path. And maybe that’s the most valuable thing the Good Shepherd can do in our lives! It just might be in this world of conflicting values and options that the most helpful guidance we’ll ever get from the Lord is a not-so-gentle nudge to keep us on the Way. And that’s particularly true when we’re walking through the dark valleys!
Thought for the Day: When have I needed a good “whack” to stay on track?
0 Comments