Psalm 23:4 KJV 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Promises of God is seen through out the Psalms and displayed in books of both Old and New Testament. Many people have experience one or the other of being either in dark alley or a patch of woods late night perhaps going home or another destination. The air being perhaps very humid or on a crisp cool night where ever hair stood on end until they reach the light of a street lamp. Now the person is in a neighborhood that was on its way to bed but stll alert that if you screamed someone somewhere would check to see who was making all the noise.You are no longer alone in the dark but in a safe neighborhood. As a believer it maybe that one time one is praying until one see the lamp light shining. Our human mind playing havoc in the dark over unknown sounds in the dark.

Paul the apostle admitting his humanity after claiming a miracle was from God and not him and Barnabas. That God had used them to heal a man from birth. Paul and Barnabus refuse to play to there idolatry because they though Barnabus was Jupiter and Paul was Mercury. The people of village stoned Paul because he would not allow them to make a sacrifice to Barnabus and him. The believers surrounded Paul and prayed. Paul rose up and the next day, he and Barnabus went on preaching because God's people surrounded and prayed for them.

Paul only man mention in New Testament that escape many times from the shadows of death. He preach unafraid of what would happen to him and his companions. Paul no doubt knew the power of God and that he was his shepherd. He knew that God lead and directed his pathway. Paul knew the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

In Psalms 24:4 we can claim as believers that Christ is our Shepherd and by His Hy Spirit he comforts us. The rod and staff of the shepherd stick had a hook that would pull the sheep into the right direction lt help pull tge sheep away from the wrong pathway. reasured him his shepherd had watchful eye on him. What one can learn is God's Spirit sill watches over us.

Dear Heavenly Father helps us to hold to truth your rod and staff is our comfort by your Spirit. That your word speaks promises to all that believe despite the road may surround us with the darkness of evil, your light is there. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Continual Scripture Study: Acts 14:19-20 KJV
19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.
20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.