I SHALL NOT WANT FOR COMFORT

…Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me – Psalm 23:4c

The Shepherd uses a rod of protection and correction as a tool of deliverance and chastening; and a staff of comfort over the sheep. We live in a world that is naturally comfortless, one that is full of trials, troubles and tribulations (Jh.16:33). “Few days and full of trouble” is the nature of this world (Job 14:1). Thank God, we have the Comforter in the Person of the Holy Spirit, and our Shepherd Who is tougher than the tough times. We can be of “good cheer” because He has overcome this tough world (Jh.14:26, 16:33).

Many people die in their troubles, but those who trust in the Lord are toughened by trials. TESTS produce TESTIMONIES! We are made stronger as we overcome trials and troubles (Jam.1:2-4; 1Pet.1:6-7). Our Shepherd offers true comfort. The best that people have to offer is PITY and SYMPATHY, not COMFORT. “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God” (2Cor.1:3-4).

God wants us to trust Him, but He also has a kind of ‘trust’ in us – that we would never frustrate His grace upon our lives! He expects us to go through tough situations – fire, floods, or trials – without ever denying Him (Job 1:6-11). He wants to be able to ‘brag’ on us (Rom.8:31-37)! Beloved, faith in God does not promise absence of troubles, but troubles need not go through you or destroy you, because the Lord is with you, even IN trouble: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help IN TROUBLE” (Ps. 46:1).

Many of God’s children are fond of asking the “Why?” and “Why me?” questions. Romans 8:28 answers all such: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Remember: you are never alone in the fire (Dan.3:21-25). God is never too busy to not attend to you. You can be cheerful even in the fires! Isaiah 40:11 testifies concerning our Shepherd-God, “He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”