There is a phrase in Psalm 23 that we dare not miss. “Thy rod and staff they comfort me.” The shepherd uses the rod to fight off the wolf or coyote. The hook at the top (called a staff) was used to pull sheep back from cliffs or rescue them if they were caught in brush.
It is not by accident that the phrase is connected with the valley of the shadow of death. It is characteristic of trials to bring temptation to unbelief or rebellion. We need God to fight off the spiritual wolves and coyotes who would destroy our faith. We also need his staff to call us back to trusting in him.
