Scripture Texts – Psalm 23 and Mark 4.35-41
Subject – Finding Comfort in Discomfort

Welcome to the 2nd Sunday in October as we continue in our series, The Good Shepherd. Psalm 23 is a psalm of trust, of peace, of provisions, and devotion. Today we will cover verse 4. Even 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. So how do we deal with the valleys, the storms, the dark shadows of life and find comfort in discomfort?

I.Realize that we all will face our own seasons of dark shadows.
-Sometimes the shepherd must guide the sheep through dark valleys to get to the other side.
-Sheep fear darkness. They fear unfamiliar situations. They fear change. Predators may lurk.
-Even though it’s a valley, a storm, an eclipse… it’s only a shadow of death.
-The Apostles were terrified. But the storm was only a shadow of death. Jesus said, “Let us go to the other side.”

II.Know that the LORD is with His children especially during the darkest storm.
-The sheep safely reach their destinations by staying with the shepherd. Fear not.
-During the darkest moments is definitely not the time to stray from the shepherd.
-That dark storm the Apostles faced was like an eclipse, raging sea, severe turbulence, out of control… but the LORD was with them… purposefully asleep (Mark 4.38).
-Remember, just like in school, the teacher is often quiet during the test. But he’s still there!
-Mark 4.40; Deut 31.8; Josh 1.5; 1Sam 12.22; Heb 13.5-6.

III.Understand that the LORD will protect and rescue us from any danger within the valley.
-The shepherd carries a rod of protection and a staff of rescue with him. He fights away predators and use the crook of the staff to pull sheep from trouble.
-Jesus had a rod and staff within Him as He rebuked the storm. Peace! Be still!
-You and I can take comfort in the storm, in the valley, in the eclipses of life because the LORD is our protector and rescuer! Footprints in the sand.

Conclusion: We all will face seasonal valleys, storms, and dark shadows of life. Don’t be surprised. Just know, if you are a believer, Jesus is with you especially during your darkest moment. He will never leave you nor forsake you. And if it gets too treacherous in the darkness, Jesus is there with His rod and staff to bring us His comfort. And if you have fallen and can’t get up, He is there to carry you. So, ride out the storm, walk through the valley, deal with the dark shadows with Jesus. Thank God! He has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Amen. The door of salvation is open.