Comfort

 Psalm 23:4 ESV

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.


We often gloss over the poetic nature of this verse. As Billy Graham said though, mountaintops might be good for the views, but valleys are where the fruit grows. Note too that death is just a shadow; the substance is eternal life.

If God is for us, who can be against us? We don't need to be afraid if he is on our side. Not even death can defeat us if we belong to Jesus.

A rod is to correct us, or to beat up our enemies. It might not seem particularly comforting. Yet it keeps us safe on the straight and narrow.

The staff can bring us back onto God's way if we're going astray or we've got stuck in some predicament. Even through adversity we can be comforted that God wants what's best for us. Not only so but he will achieve what's best for us.

'Dear Abba Father God, we're so grateful for your care of us, whatever life throws at us. Help us not to fear. For your honour, amen'.

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