Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Matthew 10:31 says, “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Sparrows weren’t worth much in Jesus’ time, and they are very common in our time as well. There are at least 35 species in North America.

In Matthew 6:34, Jesus said, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

It seems like there is trouble at every turn in today’s world. Violence, immoral behavior, abuse, murders, and wars are on every hand. Stress and worry seem to be the norm.

Psalm 23:4c says, “your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Now I get it that a staff could be used to pull me back to safety when the wooden hook is wrapped around me. That is comforting! But a rod to “nudge” me back in line doesn’t seem very comforting at all. Be assured, my friends, it is.