Trusting the Shadows

Trusting the Shadows – Shadows are generally the places of which we are afraid. When we were young, we turned on the lights before we walked down the hall to our room. We weren’t afraid of stubbing our toe on a toy left behind from the day’s play. We did want to get a clear view of just who, or what, may be there in the shadows of the hallway or stairs. We may have slept with a nightlight on or a closet light peeking through a partially opened door.

My Grandmother always had a nightlight going into the kitchen. Living 6-7 miles outside of town in rural Wisconsin, there was some wisdom in doing it that way. She actually did get up and need it every single morning of the year, even during the summer months. There is never a day to sleep in for Wisconsin dairy farmers. She would get up and help my grandfather get started milking the cows long before I ever thought of getting up. Then she would manage to have breakfast cooked and on the table before the majority of the house was awake.

Yes, most times we want to banish the shadows so we can clearly see the situation around us. However, today we welcome one shadow. The shadow we welcome is the shadow that is cast over us from the protective cover of the wings of God. The Psalmist tells us “How precious!” this protection truly is. Jesus commented on it as well in the Gospel of Luke. “How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings!”

Under those wings we find protection. Under those wings we find nurture. Under those wings we find sustenance. Under those wings we find all the things for which we stray so far from those wings to seek. All the time they are in the very place God calls us to.   

Living in the shadow of God’s presence is such a blessing. I am astounded that we spend so much time running from it. We seek satisfaction and protection in so many other things, but the truth is there is no safety when we seek fulfillment away from our Heavenly Father.

All which I took from thee I did but take,

Not for they harms,

But just that thou might’st seek it in My Arms.

All which they child’s mistake

Fancies as lost, I have stored up for thee at home.[1]

Pastor Craig

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[1] The Hound of Heaven Francis Thompson