Psalm 23:4 “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.”
Sometimes we make a dumb decision and end up in the valley. Sometimes someone we love makes a dumb decision and drags us down into the valley with them, and sometimes life just happens, and it’s no one’s fault, but into the valley we go.
The number one question people ask me when they are in a “valley” experience is, “How can I cope with the fear, anxiety, and anger? Sometimes it’s paralyzing.” I completely understand the question because I have been there and done that, and it’s not fun. It’s all-consuming, the days get bleaker and bleaker, it’s hard to see the exit sign, it sucks all the joy out of life, but GOD DOES NOT WANT US TO LIVE THIS WAY.
We must accept by faith that He is always close by using a rod and a staff to bless us.
The rod is a stick that is bent at the top like a cane, and real-life shepherds use it to protect the sheep. And the staff is similar to a walking stick. Any sheep that wanders off is gently nudged by the staff to stay on course, but if it strays too far, it’s hooked by the rod and led back to the safety of the flock and away from a wandering wolf. I don’t know if the sheep enjoy the rod and/or the staff, but without them they could die.
The rod and staff symbolize God’s Word, and God uses the Bible to protect, comfort, guide, reassure, and give us courage. But first we have to know what the Word says and then we must be willing to do it. We must allow ourselves to be “hooked” by it because this is what will bring us protection and peace.
Sometimes getting hooked is unpleasant, and I have shared with you before how I knew I had to forgive a certain someone who had an unacceptable relationship with my married father, but it was hard. Ultimately, I had to decide whether unforgiveness was Biblical or not. It’s not, and holding onto a grudge kept me in a dark valley for a long long time. L
One day God whispered to my heart, “Yenisita, My son Jesus died on the cross for you and for ______. She has a soul in need of forgiveness and love. Out of gratitude for what My Son did for you, will you let it go? In the process you will find joy again.”
What could I possibly say to that except, “Sorry it took so long.”
PRAYER: Dear Lord, Thank You for Your rod and staff. They offer protection, comfort, guidance, reassurance, and encouragement to those of us who have been hooked. We love you! In Jesus’ name, AMEN~
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