“Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).
Many aging people know well the advantage of a walking stick. Many people have fond recollections of the heirloom quality canes that have passed generations. Just the glance of one with its knobby handle in your hand gives the heart a tug of comfort when your legs need support.
Sometimes the simple and graceful word can lift one’s heart from fear of dangers with verses like Psalm 112:17 that still speaks, The one who trusts in the Lord “will not fear evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.” In essence, God’s words become a staff to walk through the many dark days because of the heart’s confidence in the One who promises.
When death took children from my wife and me, it left us almost heartbroken. But again, anther word because another staff: “Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). Feeble we felt. And our walk was more of a hobble in those days. But when those words reached our hearts, it became a rod and staff to comfort us.
In times of special danger or doubt, faith in the Shepherd of our souls make Scripture the rod of our hearts to guide us through the maze we have ahead – every day.
So open your Book today and read. It will be a light shining in a dark place if you will let it shine.