The Shadow

In the early morning light, a shadow rests beneath the paper that my pen is writing on. As the paper curls from the pen's pressure, the shadow lengthens. What mystery lurks behind the shadow? Will it bring hope or fear?

Shadows can create fear in our hearts when a dark silhouette races towards us, and we don't recognize the person or thing casting the shadow. Shadows can be good things when used to make paintings look more realistic or as a tool for direction. If the shadow is on the left side of our leg as we walk in the morning, we know we are headed north. Shadows can also help us tell time, like the sundials used in ancient times.

But did you know that shadows can bring comfort, relief and joy? Scripture tells us that we can "take refuge in the shadow of God's wings" (Psalm 36:7), and find rest, "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalm 91:1). Shadows can be a happy place, "Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings" (Psalm 63:7), and also be used to help describe our future as we trust in the Lord, "Each one will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land." (Isaiah 32:2)

Whatever shadows are or have been for you, let them become reminders of God's grace and His promise to cover you, shelter you, refresh you, and draw you closer to Jesus Christ.

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