Getting Job-ed
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.
Psalm 23:4 ESV
Part 1, we talked about how God intends to rule His creation perfectly, providing for that creation’s every need, even if it means that someday we die (as we all will). So even in times of prosperity and in times of death, God is the one that satisfies our biggest need: which is Himself. In this next part, I want us to look at why we aren’t to fear, even in the worst of times.
For You are With Me
You may recall in previous articles we really discuss the Providence and Sovereignty of God (click ‘here‘ for the link to the article on God’s Power and Wisdom). This doctrine has really become so precious and life-giving to me because it gives me a real foundation to stand on, all others I get shaky.
‘LORD’ in the Old Testament is in place of the Hebrew name of God, Yahweh (I AM WHO I AM). In the New Testament, we see Jesus use ‘Ego Eimi’ in Greek (‘I AM/I Exist’, in certain uses, click ‘here‘ for the article that addresses this). These refer to God’s eternal, omnipresent, omniscient, and all-powerful characteristics. He is completely unrestrained, can do all that He pleases and has the right to do so. Providence addresses that not only does God have the power to do anything and the right to do so, but that God chooses to do or not do certain things based on His wisdom.
If this God is your God, and you love Him and cherish Him, there’s no room for fear (click ‘here‘ for the article “Do Not Be Afraid”). You have a God that can do anything and everything. If you’re in a situation, there’s a reason for it. God is your Shepherd, He is in it with you, guiding you. We have to trust in Him, in His Sovereignty and Providence, that what we are going through has a purpose and that it is ultimately for good (Romans 8:28). He is not just some lofty God in the heavens looking down, the Psalm says that He is with us. That’s life-giving hope.
Your Rod and Your Staff
Based on God’s all-powerful and infinitely wise guiding of His sheep, it brings us to the last line of this section: “your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” A ‘rod’ is used for correction, a ‘staff’ is used for guiding. The psalmist is telling us that they both comfort us. God corrects us with His rod, which keeps us from sin, and sin causes death to our souls. God guides us to everywhere His will has for us (click ‘here‘ for a link to Ephesians 1:11-12). Nothing is by accident, everything has purpose. God is our shepherd, He guides us and corrects us through the worst valleys, and it’s God that comforts us.
Why does He do all of this? As we saw in the last part: for His name’s sake and for our benefit.
-Austin
