Rod and staff

So, something just keeps bringing me back to these two words (rod and staff).  Psm 23 is probably one of my favorites.   Rod - an instrument of authority.  It was used by shepherds for counting, guiding, rescuing, and protecting sheep.  A staff was used for support.  I find it so interesting that we are referred to as sheep SO many times in scripture.  God is always counting... to see if you are accounted for.  Kind of like when we used to take jr high students to a conference or something and we had to count them once we got back on the bus to make sure they were all there.  WE would NEVER leave one behind.  Just like God doesn't want one to perish.  He guides us everyday with his word and wise counsel!  He rescues us from pits that we have either fallen in to or been pushed in to.  He protects us like in psm 32:7  He is our hiding place; he protects us from trouble and surrounds us with songs of deliverance.  One of my dearest friends, Amanda, once said, "I wonder what it sounded like the night before God parted the Read Sea?" The rushing water...  I bet it was loud.  It was the sound of deliverance and I'm sure it was powerful and majestic.  Sometimes when I am having a rough day, I just pretend like I can hear that water and it calms me.  I am so glad that He accounts for me, guides and protects me, rescues me.  Why would I ever walk in fear?
Love you all!