Find, Dwell, and Share.
Psalm 23:4 -
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.
A verse we are probably all well acquainted with and may have even memorized without trying to because it is used so often in grief settings, this verse is one we can declare in the midst of our grief. This verse not only can be used as a declaration, but as a reminder of a few things. It can remind us of who we are in Christ (His sheep).
As I reflected on this verse and began reading over it multiple times, I could not help but notice a few things that stood out to me. The first is that we are not the first people to suffer or to grieve, so we can find joy in knowing we are not alone. We can also share joy in lifting others up that walk this road by reminding them they are not alone.
Secondly, by declaring this verse, it can help remind us of our place under Christ. We do not have to fear evil because our Protector is with us always. Sometimes, when we seem to be engulfed by our circumstances, it can be easy to lose focus of the bigger picture. By reminding ourselves of Who we belong to, it not only may bring us a sense of peace, but also a reminder that our pain serves a purpose in a greater story; our pain will be used for our good and His glory.
Lastly, what stood out to me in a way that it never has before, is the last part of the verse. “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Thinking of a shepherd and his flock, I do not think of a rod or a staff being comforting. A staff is typically used for correction and that correction or guidance is often painful, similarly to how our grief is painful. In the same way a sheep must be corrected or guided by the staff to grow back in line with the rest of the flock, we also get the opportunity to grow by being guided through our pain. What a joy to be reminded that we are not in control and we can not change that. No matter what, our Shepherd has the ultimate rod and staff to lead us, comfort us through correction, and to protect us and all we have to do is submit, even when that submission is painful or confusing.
So, as we face a week started a little slower due to the holiday, a day that may be more painful for some, let us remind ourselves of the joy we can declare through Psalm 23. Find joy that we are not alone in our circumstances. Find joy that we are solely a sheep in the flock. Find joy in knowing there is purpose in the pain. Find joy in the little things and then share that joy with others! You never know when your joy story could be what someone else needs for encouragement. Go find joy, dwell in joy, and share joy!
