I’ve always loved shadows. Ask anyone who knows me…there’s something about them that captivates me. I’m passionate about taking pictures, but when a shadow is involved…it makes it that much better!
There are many definitions of the word shadow. According to the dictionary, a shadow is a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface producing partial or complete darkness. A shadow can also be a person who accompanies someone in their daily activities at work in order to gain experience at or insight into a job. Most of the definitions for the word have negative connotations. The one I would like to focus on is fitting and freeing – An inseparable attendant or companion.
Who would have thought that shadows would become a good thing? A metaphor? God laid it on my heart today that a shadow is always with us. Beginning till end. It only disappears when we step out of the sun….when the clouds roll in and the darkness takes away the light. Is the shadow gone or just absent? A shadow is just another form of shade, right?
No matter what direction I am facing when the sun is out, there is a shadow cast that can be seen. This shadow doesn’t change direction, no matter what way I turn. It stays right where it’s at. It’s always either in front of me, beside me on either side or behind me. It never leaves me.
Isn’t this exactly how our loving Father is? Always with is. Encircling us. Never apart from us. When we are in the light, we tend to be able to see him more willingly, freely and openly. When the darkness comes, it clouds our view of God and therefore always causes us to believe that He is no longer present…but He is, just the same. He never goes away just because we step into the shade, into the darkness. God is God. He goes before us, behind us and beside us.
I had the blessing and privilege of sharing this with a small group of women during one of our ministry days. God gave me the words. The sun was shining. There was shade. I was able to physically give an example as I stepped in and out of the shade, being blocked by the sun, as I turned around in different directions and as I watched the sun beat down on me! What an experience. What an end to a heartfelt day.
It’s the simple truths. The things we see everyday that brings new meaning when we take a step of faith and trust God – the author and creator of this world. He created the shadow. He creates the shade. He made the sun.
No matter what direction you are walking, God is there. We want our light to shine in the darkness and we want our shadows to show in the light. It’s easier to see your shadow when you are in the light than when you are in the darkness. Take that step of faith into the light. So as your shadow follows you wherever you go, God is with you wherever you go! Every step of the way.
Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep.
O Lord, you preserve both man and beast.
How priceless is your unfailing love!
Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.
For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
Let’s start to see our shadows as a strength and a blessing, rather than a weakness and a curse. Let’s see them as being wrapped in the loving arms of our Father. Our shadows are a reminder of his unfailing and unconditional love. Yes, our shadow may be in partial darkness, but it is our companion!
Oh Lord you never let go, through the calm and through the storm
Oh Lord you never let go, every high and every low
Oh Lord you never let go, no you never let go of me!
