Chronicles of Grace

HIS ROD AND HIS STAFF THEY COMFORT US!

All of us have read this Psalm many times and many of us probably even know it by heart. It is very familiar to us, as a matter of fact, sometimes it may be too familiar! Wouldn't you agree? We have quoted it from memory or read it over and over or heard it read at funerals, but how often do we really read it and study it? I read a devotional this morning that gave me a new look at a portion of this well-known Psalm. The writer was talking about a cabinet full of walking canes at his grandfather's house. He pointed out that each time he had reached for one, he was reminded that the Word of God is a staff!

Psalm 23:4 tells us that "His staff comforts us!" In the midst of awaiting to know if the mass growing inside my mom is cancerous, the verse "He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord!" (Ps. 112:7) is a staff to walk with on many worry-filled days. On days when I become overwhelmed with the fact that my dad's dementia is getting worse by the day and the future scares me to death, I choose the staff, which has never failed, "For I know the plans I have for you,...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." What precious Word has been a staff for you lately?

"It is quite true that God's rod is like a schoolteacher's pointer to a child, pointing out a letter so the child will notice it. In this same way, God points out many valuable lessons to us that we otherwise would never have learned. BUT, God always sends His staff with His rod." WOW! What a promise! Alexander Maclaren said, "Each of us may be sure that if God sends us over rocky paths, He will provide us with sturdy shoes. He will never send us on any journey without equipping us well!"

Sister, grab your Staff!! We've got some traveling to do!

I love you and I'm praying for you!

Wendy