Scripture
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
My child, do not ignore the instruction that comes from the Lord, or lose heart when He steps in to correct you; for the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He corrects each one He takes as His own.
Endure hardship as God’s discipline and rejoice that He is treating you as His children, for what child doesn’t experience discipline from a parent? – Hebrews 12:5-7
Declaration/Prayer
Lord, Psalm 23 is a beloved passage that has comforted countless generations. Uncomfortably, Your Word mentions comfort only relative to instruments of enforcement…a rod and a staff. I’m readily comforted by the thought of Your staff that protects, but I’m not so comforted by the thought of Your rod that corrects. Like most, I prefer feel good 5-star performance reviews, and would rather avoid things in my life needing Your disciplinary action…Yikes! However, I sincerely ask You to shine Your light on my attitudes and behaviors and bring necessary correction that grows me into Your image-bearer You’ve created me to be. Amen.
