Whatever your need, JESUS IS THE ANSWER.

DO YOU NEED PROTECTION?

The Lord is my shepherd; . . . Your rod and your staff protect . . . me.

A shepherd’s rod and staff were used to guard and protect the sheep. The rod was a straight heavy stick with flint embedded at the top. It was looked upon as a symbol of power and authority and was used as a weapon against predators. The shepherd’s staff, with the crook on the end, was seldom used as a weapon. It would be used to guide sheep back on the path or back to the fold.  Sometimes the hook at the end would be used to pull back a wandering sheep or bring a wayward lamb to its mother for feeding. These instruments represented that the sheep were secure in the protection of the shepherd.  Jesus offers His sheep the same security.  He protects us from evil and keeps prodding us back away from sin and down the path of life.

The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.. Psalm 27:1-3

When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot. God’s angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray. Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see— how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. Psalm 34:1-8

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.  He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”   Psalm 40:1-2