Safe in His ArmsSample

Covered with Comfort If we allow the hand of God to comfort and guide us, there is nothing God won’t do to protect us. It is said a shepherd’s rod is like an extension of the shepherd's right arm. It stands to show the shepherd’s authority and strength, a symbol to bring comfort and assurance to the sheep. Predators wait patiently on the outskirts of the shepherd’s flock, looking for their moment to kill. The shepherd uses his rod as a defense and deterrent to protect his sheep against anything aiming to attack. Sheep are also prone to wander, much like people, and can become lost without food or water. The rod gently corrects and guides the sheep along the right path, the path leading them to safety and true life. Much like a sheep’s shepherd, our good Shepherd is always prepared to use his rod and staff to protect us from what may harm us and tenderly keep us on the best path. Whenever God sees His children moving towards dangerous territory, He will call them to Himself. Using the Holy Spirit and His Word, He guides and directs us, corrects and comforts. His love for us will compel Him to stop us from what isn’t best, even if it means a moment of temporary pain along the way. I can remember when I was going through a very difficult and dark time. I wanted to walk away from God. A wise pastor said to me, “Do you want to look back at this time and wonder what God would have done if you had only obeyed him?” Even when I was mad at God for not doing what I asked, I knew I did not want to live with regret and miss God’s best for my life. Today, I think of this often when I see all the moments He held onto me when I was willing to let go of Him. When we say yes to following Jesus, the power of Jesus’ resurrection lives in us to comfort us, bring us peace, counsel, and direction. The world wants to tell us a good God will not allow bad things to happen. God tells us a good and loving God sent His Son to save us from this world. No one is exempt from facing tribulations, sickness, heartache, and pain. We can face each of these with joy and confidence that Christ will comfort and direct us. The world may hurt us, but it cannot destroy us. We can trust a loving Shepherd to stand in authority over this world, rod in hand, while guiding, comforting, and protecting us throughout each day.