Shepherds used a staff to guide flocks to good grazing land. With the crook of the staff, a lamb was rescued.   Always carrying a rod, they were prepared to fight off wild animals, and robbers.

David our psalmist, had used these tools as he cared for his father’s flock. He remembered the many times, he had rescued a lamb from danger, and guided others as they grazed on the hillside. He saw God guiding him in this same way. About to act recklessly or heading off in a foolish way, God had pulled him back from self-destructive choices, and their consequences.

As I think of God as my Shepherd, I think of turning points, when but for the Shepherd’s guidance, I would have lost my way. I remember crossroads, where good was neither clear nor well defined and occasions when health and healing took an unexpected turn . . . alongside moments, of long held beliefs being shattered in my Shepherd’s care.

Psalm 23  paints a picture of our relationship with God. God, who checks us over each day, fights off our enemies and protects us from forces set upon doing us harm. It reminds us of the  One who catches us in our straying, then gently nudges us toward healing spaces of still waters and green pastures.

“Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4b