Psalm 23 is a well-known scripture that offers comforting words, reminding believers of God's loving guidance during difficult times.
I've been a Christian for most of my life. I grew up in a Christian family and felt God reveal Himself to me from an early age. I have always felt His loving, tender hand in my life. What a gift that is! Of course, I went through ‘stuff,’ and it wasn't always picture perfect, but I never knew what the Psalmist, David, meant when he said; though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil for you are with me, your rod and staff they comfort me.
In the last few years, I feel I have had a glimpse into the valley, the dark, cold, frightening gorge. I have felt oppressive darkness like I never have before, and I have heard the roar of the enemy. It has been deep, overwhelming, and agonizing. The trauma of household chaos, violence, aggression, and explosions at any given moment has been part of my valley. I've ended up in the fetal position and weeping many times, asking God why He isn't calming the storm and what I am doing wrong. The consistency of being on-call to manage my family’s emotions and behaviour. Not seeing positive outcomes from the endless strategies I have tried. Seeking help from professionals, but with little success. Despairing at the destruction of property and hurt children because of the violence. Wondering how a family that is committed to following the Lord could be so disorderly and rude. Feeling the fear and anxiety of not knowing what will happen next.
BUT then, there is the comfort of his rod and staff. That’s, I'd say, as acute as the valley. Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). I recently read in a devotion by Nicky Gumble, quoting Joyce Meyers, “It’s almost worth having a problem to be able to experience [God’s comfort].” Whether I'd agree with that statement in the moment of great distress, maybe not, but there are no words to describe the beauty of God's comfort. I have felt it in the way of an unexpected moment to breathe, a friend texting out of the blue with encouragement, the Holy Spirit speaking into my soul with a verse or a word of knowledge, a wave of peace when crying out to God, and the practical help from our community. It's the little moments that bring relief, when I am reminded that God hasn't left the picture, that He does care, and that He is working all things out for good. That is when I feel the sense of His rod and staff; a constant beacon of hope in the dark ravine.
Would I change my circumstances if I could? Probably, but trusting God's sovereignty helps me see that hardships, like Joseph's, prepare us for what lies ahead and teach us valuable lessons.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
