Comfort from Rules?
Posted on 21st Nov 2018 18:50:47 in Meditation for Christians, Daily Meditations

Meditation for Christians - Day 8
Psalm 23
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."
Comfort from Rules?
When we know Him, we walk in the comfort of being led by one who would never see us lost again. The valley of the shadow of death would be the worst place to get lost. Yet in those most frightening times we can find incredible faith because we walk with Him.
He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke away their chains. - Psalm 107:14
We learned from the martyrs that even if our very lives are taken, we still win the victory through Him.
The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? - Psalm 118:6
Most of us know about how G-d comforts us during trying times, but where do the rod and staff fit in?
He defends His sheep with the rod, and He brings back the straying sheep with the staff. This often symbolizes discipline and rules, but the Good Shepherd does not use the rod and staff to beat the sheep. Instead he uses them to guide them on the straight path, using them to corral the sheep to safety, not beat them into submission. The rod may be used against the wolves, but never the sheep.
How are rules a comfort?
Rules can be a comfort in frightening times. A young girl was walking down the street with her little sister. A run-down looking car pulled up next to them. Alcohol scent rolled out of the window as the rough looking man asked the little girl if she needed a ride home. She felt paralyzed, but instinctfully she found herself saying,"I am not allowed to get into cars with strangers." It was not even a question thanks to the rules.. she did not even have to consider it or argue. How could the wolf argue with her after that without exposing himself as a wolf? The rod and staff are not to be despised or dreaded, but a gift of security to be cherished.
They confronted me in my day of calamity, but the LORD was my support. - 2 Samuel 22:19
Exercise for Day 8
Think of a time as a child when your parents enforced a rule for your safety that you did not like at the time. Think of times in the past when things looked dire, but G-d kept you safe. In what ways does G-d protect you today?
Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments.” - Matthew 22:37-40
