Psalm 23:4, Deuteronomy 8:2, Hebrews 12:11

Dan & Claire Maudhub

'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

At some point in life, we will all walk through the "valley of the shadow of death". This might be lonely times, painful times, hardships, mourning, fear, tough circumstances or relationships. Occasionally we create these situations through poor choices or our own sin; sometimes the enemy will attack us or we might suffer because of someone else's sin or mistakes. Many times though, God places his own trials in our lives or allows these things to come against us. Why would a loving God do that to His kids?! Well this is what He told the Israelites He was doing when he led them into the difficulties of the desert:

'Remember how the Lord your God led you through the wilderness for forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would really obey his commands.' Deuteronomy 8:2

God always has our growth and maturity - and our intimacy with Him - on His heart. The Bible says Jesus is our shepherd and He wants to both discipline and guide us as we walk with Him. When a shepherd uses a rod, it is for discipline; to keep the sheep on the right path so they do not get lost or damaged on the journey. When a shepherd uses a staff it is for guidance and for nurturing; he gathers them to himself and holds them there calmly. We often want the guidance, the teaching, the good advice but not the discipline!

Our natural reaction to "walking through the valley of the shadow of death" is often to want to get out by the quickest and easiest route. No-one likes being uncomfortable and walking the tough walk, but when He walks that journey with us, it is a vital part of our understanding, growth and maturity. We can get so used to just the 'friendly shepherd' side of God that our view of our Father and our view on Christianity actually becomes warped. God's character is love and justice. Psalm 23 clearly says comfort only comes in our lives when we have the rod and the staff.

David was someone who understood this. From being a young man tending the sheep, he suddenly became God's anointed and was proclaimed king by the prophet Samuel. Surely life was going to be rosy now for David? But no! He spent the next few years avoiding being murdered by the current king, Saul. Why was this? God allowed David to go through the "valley of the shadow of death" in order for God to test David's heart - would he still honour God? Would he still honour the current king? Or would he look for the easy route out: either kill Saul (he had plenty of opportunities) or just walk away because it was too tough? David chose God's route and stuck it out. He realised that God was working as much in his inner man as he was in Israel as a nation. You see God's discipline isn't just when we have done something wrong; it is a constant testing of our hearts and attitudes that lead to Godly character.

'No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.' Hebrews 12:11

Think about your life, what are the tough things you're walking right now? And more importantly, what is your response to them? Are you trying to shortcut God and look for comfort?; kind words, self-pity, a slab of chocolate?! The bible advises us to submit to God and to our leaders and walk whatever process God desires.

Jesus himself gives us godly men and women as leaders; if we invite them to give us their wisdom and advice and take heed of what they tell us, we are submitting. God often uses people to be His rod and staff! If they discipline us, will we get offended or seek someone else who may give us the easier words we want to hear? Or are we prepared bravely to pray "God bring your rod in my life"? That way we will know the comfort of God.

Bless you all.