Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of our comforting God. David recognized this truth, as he wrote, “Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
God cares about comforting His people. He is the kind of God who ministers to the soul, who bolsters and upholds it. David recognized God’s personal interest in his life and His habitual practice of providing comfort. “When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble” (Ps. 9:12). “Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me” (Ps. 86:17). “Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?” (Ps. 56:8).
While God is able to provide comfort through various means, it seems to be pretty widely acknowledged that the rod and staff, instruments of guidance and correction, refer to the Bible. For sure, the inspired and sufficient words of Scripture have always been a profound source of comfort to God’s people. David recognized the goodness of God in His instruction and leading. “Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way” (Ps. 25:8-9).
Of course, David did not possess much of the Bible, but what he did possess, he held in high esteem. He knew the power of God’s words, that they were able to comfort and lift the spirit, providing much joy and pleasure, even as they instructed, guided, and corrected. “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statures of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward” (Ps. 19:7-11).
Yes, God is a Comforter, and His Word is a comfort. As He uses His Word to nudge us in the right direction and keep us on the right path, we can be comforted that we are His sheep for whom He cares very much. Because of His love, it matters to Him that we walk the right path, allowing us to fully enjoy His presence and blessing.
May God give you special blessings this week from His Word and may He comfort you wherever that is needed.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
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