“Yea, 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.” – Psalm 23:4

As far as the world’s definition of ‘comfort’ is concerned, we all love to be comfortable – perfect health, swanky home, cool car, cozy office, homely Church premises, good bank balance, and stylish clothes, you know.

However, there is no agreement among scholars as to whether or not being ‘comfortable’ is a positive or negative attribute; it all depends on the context and how it’s perceived.

On the positive side, feeling comfortable may be associated with relaxation, happiness, and peace of mind, which may contribute to overall quality of life and mental health.

But on the other hand, comfort can sometimes lead to complacency or stagnation. When individuals become too comfortable, they may become resistant to change or growth, which could hinder personal development, innovation, and adaptation to new challenges or environments.

‘Comfort zones’ do provide a false sense of security, which often limits one’s opportunities for learning and self-improvement. That’s why it is common to see seemingly comfortable people choose to start afresh in a new job, a new home, a new challenge etc.

In other words, ‘comfort’ may be relative – what appears comfortable to one person may end up being uncomfortable to another, depending on the perspective one has.

It is by far more comfortable to be in a dark valley with God than to be in a cozy palace without Him!   

In our meditation today, David describes his kind of comfort. Though he was already a powerful king with a great palace by the time of writing this poem, his true comfort lay elsewhere, not in worldly possessions!

“Yeah, 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.” That’s a very powerful declaration.

What David is saying here is that yes, I may be right in the middle of the most uncomfortable place, but I am comfortable because You’re with me with Your rod and staff.

As a former shepherd, David understood the use of the ‘rod’ – a long wooden stick, whose primary function was defending the sheep against predators such as wolves and serpents that might threaten the flock.

On the other hand, the ‘staff’ was a longer stick with a hook at one end whose main purpose was for guidance, support, and rescue.

The curved end of the staff would also be used to lift or rescue sheep that might have fallen into ditches or got stuck among rocks.

Wherever he was or whatever he was going through, knowing that the Good Shepherd was with him by His divine presence, provided all the comfort that David needed.

He didn’t fear what the world would throw at him; he could still feel comfortable and secure because of God’s constant and unfailing guidance, protection, and care.

In the final analysis when it comes to true comfort, it is only God’s presence that matters. Being ‘comfortable’ in rebellion or disobedience against God is not worth it.

So, would you be ready to leave your nice home or Church if God were to send you to do missionary work in DR Congo?

Our best example is the Lord who Jesus left the glories of heaven to walk the dusty paths of this earth (read John 8:29).

May we appreciate the fact that it is by far more comfortable to be in a dark valley with God than to be in a cozy palace without Him!   

Lord, may Your presence always be all the comfort I need, Amen!