Psalm 23

Yea, 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. v.4

Read chapter 23
A psalm everyones familiar with and continues to teach of characteristics of our God.  This psalm uses the common metaphor in scripture of Shepherd and his sheep in reference of God and His people.  Sheep are dumb, dirty animals and seem to stray often yet the Shepherd provides, protects, and guides them.  In this verse four it's cool to note that the sheep didn't just stray and wander into the valley of the shadow of death, but that the shepherd led them and is walking through it with them.  How are God is walking with us in the terrors of this life!
The rod and staff are not the same thing.  The rod was similar to a club and used as a weapon to fight off wild beasts.  Whereas the staff was used to guild the sheep to keep them on the path by gently prodding the sheep with it.  So too God protects His people form enemies and guides them in His way of righteousness.  And this is comforting to know someone cares and looks out for you.  So how are you like a dirty and dumb sheep?  What valleys of death are you walking through right now and do you feel God's presence with you?  How do you allow God's rod and staff to comfort you?