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. 
 

 Note that we may have to walk through the valley of the shadow of death, not death itself. Physically, we all face death, unless Jesus returns first. For the believer though, it's like falling asleep until Jesus wakes us up again.

The Lord Jesus is the Good Shepherd who laid his life down for the sheep. He gives us eternal life from the moment we believe, and no one can snatch us out of his hand. 

Evil is real, but we don't need to fear it with the Good Shepherd alongside us by his Holy Spirit. We face the 'triple whammy' of the world, the flesh and the devil; but we're born again by God's Spirit to overcome. Because Jesus gave his life and rose victorious over death, we can conquer and have the victory too.

God's rod and staff don't sound too comforting at first. He may have to nudge and steer us in the right direction with his rod; and bring us back onto his way with his staff. It's comforting though that he doesn't leave us to our own devices.

'Lord our Shepherd, please guide us safety home. Help us to be bold and brave, because you are with us, and to focus on eternity where we'll be with you forevermore. For your glory, amen'.  

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