Most Wonderful Shepherd, I fear no evil when You walk by my side and I feel comforted by the protection afforded to me by Your rod and staff. It is the unknown which causes me to feel helpless and vulnerable. When my enemies – pain, suffering, disease or stress – threaten my well-being … I know that I can count on You to protect and defend me. This, in turn, allows me to escape the clutches of anxiety. You are the only One who can walk me through life’s dangers and bring me through to safety. In the same way that a shepherd uses his rod to protect his flock, you keep my enemies at bay. Your sheep, of which I am one, pass under Your rod to be counted and confirm whether they are in good condition or not. I am able to rest in peace knowing that I’m under Your watchful eyes. Your rod is a symbol of Your power and authority and can be used as a prod when I do not respond to Your commands.
With Your staff, You beat back the obstacles in my life which stifle my walk and harbor dangers. Your staff is an instrument of support that aids me in climbing mountains of adversity and heartache. When I fall into a hole of depression or guilt, it is Your staff that lifts me up. And, when I start to drift away, You use Your staff to draw me back into the fold. If I allow You to guide me, I know that I will find peace and contentment. I can reach places of tranquility and rest if I follow You obediently. To reject Your guidance is to act against my own best interests. Since life is filled with lots of uncertainty, I should look to Your shepherd’s staff for my direction, help and comfort. Life can be tough and draining without Your aid and assistance to smooth out the road I travel and sustain me. In my times of greatest hardship, grief and weariness, I need Your staff to lift me up.
It is comforting to realize that in the tools of a shepherd … Your rod and staff … I am offered strength, needed guidance, consolation in times of trouble and relief from the pangs of anxiety. Knowing that You constantly watch over me (standing ready to defend me … and coming to take up my burdens) puts me at ease and gives me hope. Under Your watchful care, I remain undisturbed when worry and fear come to destroy my peace. Your steadfast devotion to me removes my concerns and delivers me from anxiety. As I read Your Word, I become better at discerning Your voice and responding to Your instructions in a timely manner. You alone know the best path for me to take from where I am to where I need to go … places of rest and refreshing. Therefore, I will follow You wherever You lead. And, I will also count on Your rod and staff to comfort me. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
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.