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Reflections: Daily Devotions in Disability Ministry

Trusting in God's Protection

July 30, 2010

Psalm 23:4
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. (NIV)

This psalm was written by King David. He compared himself to a sheep in this psalm. He had been a shepherd, a sheep caretaker, when he was young. He understood sheep very well because of all that experience.

In this verse, David talks about trusting God with his life. David knew that God cared about him more than any person can. He knew God is worth trusting. The valley of the shadow of death sounds like a very scary place. We have difficulties in our lives that are very scary and sound like the place that David was talking about.

David believed that there was no evil, whether physical or spiritual, that could harm him when God was with him. Along with David, we trust in God and have no reason to fear.

When we read, “your rod and staff” are a comfort to me, the words are strange to us. When a shepherd guarded his sheep, he had a big stick called a staff. When David talked about the rod and staff, he was talking about the same big stick. A shepherd used it two different ways. He used it as a rod for guiding the sheep, so they know which direction to walk. He also uses it as a staff to protect the sheep. There are animals, like wolves, that would take the sheep, if they were not protected. David fought off animals to keep them from getting to his sheep. He knew it was important that God protected him from evil.

This psalm is wonderful to memorize and even to pray. It helps us realize how much God loves and takes care of us. We are like sheep that need God, our Father to take care of us. We know we can trust Him because He sent Jesus. Jesus is our Shepherd, our Savior, our King, and our best Friend.

Lord Jesus, be our Shepherd and guide us with Your shepherd’s rod. Please protect us from evil with Your shepherd’s staff. Help us to trust You with everything that we are. Amen.

Lois Diebel, Ministry Consultant – FL & GA
http://bethesdalutherancommunities.org/resources/spiritualResources/pmc.asp

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