Psalm 23:4
God’s power is our comfort in the valley of darkness. He will bring to us justice and restoration. We can trust him.
We need comfort when life doesn’t work out. The light on the horizon shows us comfort.
The word for rod (שבט) is translated as sceptre and signifies our Good Shepherd’s right to rule. He is King and has all power.
A shepherd’s staff is there to put enemies in their place. The good shepherd stands up for the vulnerable and the weak. Anyone who wants to tear up the lives of others experiences the other side of divine gentleness and love. Anyone who opposes God remains excluded from the divine kingdom.
Christian power means yes to personal powerlessness. Jesus says: “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
“Even though I walk through the valley of deep darkness, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Psalm 23:4
He leads me in “circles of justice”. David chose a Hebrew word that means circle (מעגל). It looks, in some ways, as if he says God is leading him round in circles! But there is some profound truth in this.
Others translate: “He refreshes my soul” or “He brings my vitality back”
The word translated “still” has the Hebrew word for “comfort” in it, so restful, comforting waters.
The Good Shepherd causes me to stretch out and lie down in pleasant grass or pastures.