THURSDAY, February 15
Read Psalm 23
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil;
for you are with me; your rod and your staff-they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
On a recent trip to New Zealand, my father kept remarking about how spread out the sheep looked as we drove past them in the fields. As a pastor, I was particularly intrigued by this phenomenon because of all the times that scripture references the shepherd protecting the flock; how can the shepherd protect the flock if they are so spread out?
In many other parts of the world, sheep flock together as a protection mechanism, both naturally and as directed by their shepherds. Yet, when there are no natural predators from which to hide, the sheep begin to spread out, and over generations it soon becomes normal to see them spread across a huge field. Such is the case in the island nation of New Zealand.
In verse 4 of this beloved psalm, the author remarks that the presence of the shepherd, his rod and staff, are comforting. Even though we walk through the darkest valleys, we do not have fear because we are comforted. How different is it that we are comforted rather than protected?
As we begin this journey through Lent, following the way of Jesus, it may not always be easy. We may encounter threats to our journey. These threats may include time constraints and stress that draw us away, or they may include the sins of our society that creep into our communities of faith and threaten to cause destruction. No matter whether we stay close together or spread out, we've never been promised absolute protection from risks or danger.
We have, however, been promised comfort and companionship along the way. As we face any threats, challenges, or hazards, we are promised the comfort of the divine's presence, walking the way with us, with rod and staff.
Prayer: God, thank you for your comfort and companionship. As we embark on the way into our innermost selves this Lenten season, walk with us as we encounter difficulties. Help us to learn from our challenges as you provide comfort through our growth. Amen.
Laura Ann Phillips
