“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” – Psalms 23:4 NLT
Have you ever tried driving on the freeway for the first time? It can be a daunting and lonely experience. Now, imagine learning with an experienced driver by your side. While it can still be scary, having someone guide you makes the experience more comforting and less frightening.
It is interesting to note that Comfort which is an experience that stems from a feeling of safety and security, ranks among the top needs of humans. No wonder a shepherd is known to characteristically guide and protect his flock with his rod to give them comfort. In 1 Samuel 17:34–35, David narrated his shepherding experience to Saul, describing how he chased and killed the lion or beer that came after his flock.
If a man like David could go to these lengths to protect his sheep, how much more Jesus Christ, the good shepherd (John 10:11). All the attributes of protection, guidance, and direction are found in Christ. Your response should be to boldly declare, just like the writer in the anchor text, that no matter what comes your way, you won’t fret. Keep declaring it until it seeps into your consciousness. That makes all the difference.
It is important to note that the declaration must stem from the word of God. It is not enough to know about God’s protection and comfort. That knowledge must be founded in the word of God. For example, through knowledge of God’s word, we can discern what is true or false, so we are protected from false teachers (1 Timothy 4:3-4).
Also, we must know that the word of God is the staff with which He guides us. The psalmist declares, “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my Path” (Psalm 119:105). We are led in the way of righteousness, wherein lies our security, by the word of God (2 Timothy 3:16).
Just as the shepherd uses the crook at the end of his staff to pull out a stuck sheep or to pull back one that is going astray, so does the Lord bring us out of dire situations and redirect our steps with His word. Every way the Lord leads us must align with the written word (1 John 5:7). Therefore, we must prioritise God’s guidance through His word.
You must learn to trust the Lord, your shepherd. Rely on His word to guide you, and protect you as you go on in the way of righteousness. In this, we experience the peace and comfort of the Lord that nothing can take away.
Say this:
I am comforted by divine guidance and protection
Divine guidance and protection saves my life
This is the testimony of my life forever
I have safety through divine guidance
Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 25: 1- 30