“Thy Rod And Thy Staff”

So, I can be the first to admit, I don’t always understand things right away… The Bible can be difficult to read and understand also… I am an old-fashioned sort of gal and I read in the KJV… When I’m feeling a little wild I may read in the NKJV or even the NIV for a better understanding… I may have shared in posts past that I greatly enjoy, one of my favorite passages for multiple reasons is Psalm 23

I sometimes find myself “stuck” in places and until I have the full understanding, I am unable to move on… So, there I was… Stuck… “Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Just what is this rod and staff that give me comfort? I had to wonder… Of course, there is always an answer! Hebrews 12:6 NIV tells me, “because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” It made me think of the “rod of correction.” And if the “Lord is my Shepherd-” shepherds have staffs. Shepherds use their staff to guide their sheep, also to catch them if the go astray, to ward off enemies that see sheep as prey… So, his rod and staff are solely meant for his sheep, you and me. They protect us, keep us in the fold, fight off the enemy…

Psalm 23:4 NIV “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, the comfort me.”

When I consider the valleys of my life – the darkest valleys especially, looking back, I know that God was there with me, protecting me, guiding me. What I think I failed to give credit to is how He was also correcting me and in that perfecting my faith. What I failed to realize at times is how He was also fighting battles that I didn’t see.

I know that I don’t have to fear the darkest of valleys when they come. I can be thankful for the comfort that comes with His discipline. Thankful for His rod and His staff.

*Original Photo*