“He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night…” Psalm 91:4-5a
One night from a deep sleep, I was awoken by bright light. Standing at the doorway of my bedroom was my two-year-old son with his hand on the light switch. I told him to turn off the light and crawl in bed with me. He snuggled up close and whispered in my ear, “I scared of da shadows.”
I asked him the question I always ask my kids when they are scared: “What do the angels always say?” And without hesitation he said, “Don’t be afraid.”
I tried to explain as best I could to a two-year-old that shadows are created when something comes between an object and light. As the object moves in relation to the light it makes bigger or smaller shadows. I tried demonstrating by waving my hand in front of the lamp.
It got me to thinking…
God is light. If I allow something come between me and God, there will be shadows. Worse…If I turn my back on God there will be shadows. Then I thought, “I scared of da shadows too!”
Conviction…
What are the shadows in my life? What are the source of the shadows? Is it circumstance? Or is it because I have not trusted in God and turned my back on Him?
I think of King David. He sure knew a lot about shadows. He is the same boy who stood firm in the shadow of a giant. He is the same man who fell to his knees in his own shadow after he turned his back on God in the sin of adultery. That heartfelt cry of humble confession has resonated with each one of us in times of darkness. (Psalm 51)
How is it that this King could endure these times of despair when the images of threat loomed over him? He had relationship. In the dark of night while watching over his own flock, he realized that the Shepherd was ever with him. He sang out unto the LORD, ” Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalms 23:4)
Revelation…
The closer the object is to the light, the bigger the shadow appears, but just maybe it is all in God’s will and protection.
Sometimes shadows occur in our lives because of God’s protection. He is hiding us in the cleft of the rock. (Exodus 33). “God is passing by. God is in the tremors. Dark is the holiest ground, the glory passing by. In the blackest, God is the closest at work, forging His perfect and right will.”(*Ann Voskamp)
Again, back to King David…it is the relationship that brings comfort. That is what my son was searching for when he sought me out in the middle of the night. He knew that once he found me everything would be ok.
So in the pitch of night when I hold my son tight, reflecting in prayer about the simple fears of a child the Father gently reminds me: “Don’t be afraid.” And my response is in harmony with King David once again, “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.” (Psalm 17:8)
I am comforted…
*One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp pg 156. (Seriously read the entire page…well the entire book! It will change your life!)
**The featured image was provided by Cavalier Photography.
Because my audience has changed since my time over at Mosaic of Moms, I decided to repost some of my favorite devotional pieces I wrote for that project. This article was originally published on May 6, 2013.
Link-Up with: Holly Barret on Testimony Tuesday, Holley Gerth on Coffee For Your Heart, Simply Beth on Three Word Wednesday, Jennifer Dukes Lee on #TellHisStory, Rebekah A. Huges on Words of Life
Beautiful Jen! First, Psalm 91 was the perfect intro to your post-it reminded me of a song I used to sing in church. I love the image of how the shadows can be formed when something comes between ourselves and God. Knowing this is eye-opening and comforting all at the same time because we can do something about it. Blessed to be your Testimony Tuesday neighbor today.
Thank you for stopping by!
Very encouraging! I never thought of shadows in that way. Now when I see ’em, I can remember that I am in God’s arms, in His wings, and I need not be afraid. Visiting you from Testimony Tuesday!
Thank you, Angela, for stopping to have some coffee!
I loved your insights on light and shadows. When my son gets to the age when he is afraid at night, I will remember this post. It’s great because we need this perspective no matter whether we are young or old — to remember to stay close to God’s light.
Thank you, Teresa, for your sweet encouragement!
YES! He is closest when it is darkest. I love when God confirms truth as I read others writing on the same revelations He wants us all to know. Thank you for sharing. I also had a light/dark talk with my kiddos and my post is here http://gingerdaniel.com/2014/07/02/the-cloud-of-unknowing-when-god-is-nearer-than-you-think/
Love it when God confirms! Bless you today.
Ginger-Crazy! We must be kindred spirits! I was the one who wrote about PPD and shared it with you yesterday. It was on another blog though. I need to read more of your stuff!
Love this reminder that I’m the apple of His eye & that He shelters me just the way you did your little son! Thanks for sharing this at Tell His Story. Blessings!
Thank you, Renee. For dropping by!
I always love the lessons learned through our children. Such a beautiful example of the relationship He wants with us. May nothing come between us. I so love that verse from Psalm 91. Thank you so much for sharing with Three Word Wednesday. It’s so wonderful to have you joining us. Blessings.
Beth, I love the simplicity of your link up! Thank you for hosting!
What a beautiful thought that the shadows come when we all something to come between us and the Light! So true…so convicting as I think of the shadows I’ve let fall on me. Thanks for linking up to TestimonyTuesday!
Holly,
You are so sweet! Thank you for your encouragement! I love Testimony Tuesday!
Just beautiful. I have been blessed this morning. I have never been here before but found the picture of the shadow and Scripture @ “A Soft Gentle Voice” and decided to come pay you a visit. So grateful I did. Thanks. May your weekend be filled to overflowing with the blessings of our LORD.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Linda,
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a beautiful comment. You have encouraged me today! Blessings.