Read Psalm 23

“I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

In the valley, the Shepherd’s presence becomes most real. David doesn’t say, “I know the way.” He says, “You are with me.” That’s the power of presence. The rod was used to protect the sheep—fending off predators. The staff was used to guide, gently nudging sheep back on the path. God does both for us.

Sometimes we want God’s guidance, but not His discipline. Or we want His protection, but not His correction. But both come from love. A good shepherd disciplines not to harm, but to protect from greater harm. The Spirit gently corrects our hearts, leads us away from temptation, and reminds us that comfort doesn’t always come through ease—it comes through nearness.

When we feel threatened, the Shepherd fights for us. When we wander, He gently redirects. Jesus doesn’t abandon us when we drift—He seeks us out. That’s the kind of Shepherd we follow.

Reflection Questions:

• What does God’s comfort look like in your life?
  
• Have you ever experienced God’s discipline as an act of love?
  
• Which do you need more today—God’s protection or His correction?
  
• How can you lean into the Spirit’s guidance more intentionally this week?

Journaling Prompt:

Reflect on a time when God corrected you or redirected your path for your good.