Read: Isaiah 66:10-14
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4c)
A mother who comforts her child may wipe away tears, kiss a boo-boo, or hold the child close to her heart. Mothers comfort their children with their presence, love, and attention. Mothers will also fiercely fight to protect their children. The shepherd does the same using his rod and staff. The rod is used to drive away predators, keeping the sheep from harm. The staff and its hook are used to direct the sheep, snatch them from briars, or rescue them when they are lost. David walks in his Shepherd’s comfort. He knows that the Shepherd is watching over him. He knows he’ll protect him and rescue him. Thus, he says, “I will fear no evil” (Ps. 23:4a).
Isaiah the prophet brought words of comfort and hope of rescue to his people who were exiled from their homeland. “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young” (Isa. 40:11 NIV). “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem” (66:13). Times were tough for God’s people, but God was available as their source of hope and comfort. Later, the apostle Paul reminded the Corinthians that God was the source of their comfort too. He comforted them in their affliction, the believers were to comfort others from the comfort they received from God (2 Cor. 1:3-4).
Where do you find comfort? Look to your Shepherd. Walk in his comfort.
As you pray, receive the comfort of your Shepherd.
About the Author
Nancy Boote, an ordained minister in the Reformed Church of America, lives in Holland, Michigan, with her husband.
