PSALMS 23:4 Yea, 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.
Whenever I find myself struggling with a situation I always seem to find some solace in the 23rd Psalm. Verse four is particularly comforting to me. The other day I was reading through this passage and began to wonder about the phrase " Your rod and staff, they comfort me". Now I don't know about you, but the idea of an intangible rod (stick) and staff (again a stick) does not seem to be of much comfort to me. So why is it that I find comfort in this verse?
In doing some research I found that while I originally viewed the rod and staff as large wooden sticks, I could not have been more mistaken. According to Strong's Concordance the word rod referred to in this verse is a "mark of authority" and the translation of staff is "support of every kind".
In learning the meanings behind these words, this verse has taken on a whole new meaning to me. The notion that I find comfort in God and the idea of him being there is no longer the message conveyed when I read this verse. In order to find that comfort the Psalmist talks about something is required on my behalf.
To find the comfort talked about in this verse there must first be an acknowledgement on my behalf that the Lord is with me. Next, I must acknowledge and submit to the authority of the Lord in my life. I can see no other way of finding comfort in authority unless I am fully submitted to it. Lastly, I must embrace the support given by the Lord. Often times we take the support offered to us by the Lord for granted. Whether it be the word, other believers, or a strong prayer ethic, God has supplied us with many levels of support throughout our lives.
While I still love the mental image of myself walking through a dark valley alongside a larger than life God, the uncovered meaning of this verse has opened my eyes to the reality that my relationship with the Lord is such a two way street, and obedience and action on my behalf is vital.
While I still love the mental image of myself walking through a dark valley alongside a larger than life God, the uncovered meaning of this verse has opened my eyes to the reality that my relationship with the Lord is such a two way street, and obedience and action on my behalf is vital.
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