Do you know the shadows you live in?
For you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. Psalm 63:7
Protecting Father,
Many of us are familiar with the phrase
from a most-memorized Psalm:
“Even though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me…” (Psalm 23:4).
Many of us feel that we are living in that very valley,
as that shadow lengthens in our aging bodies.
Many of us are familiar with the biblical concept
that we are all “merely moving shadows” —
we already suspect that “all our busy rushing ends in nothing” (Psalm 39:6 NLT).
But have we ever stopped to realize
that even as we live in the valley of the shadow of death
and even as we know our lives are fleeting, rushing toward the end,
we always,
all the time,
every day,
live under the “shadow of your wings”?
Several weeks ago, a dear one shared with me
how graciously your Spirit led her to Psalm 91,
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty…
under his wings you will find refuge” (Psalm 91:1; 4).
Two days later, your Spirit led me to Psalm 63:7:
“in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.”
Heavenly Father, help us all to see the profound hope
we have in the shadow of your cooling, calming protection.
Even as we face the harsh shadow of death,
may we always remember
we live in the safe shadow of your wings.
In Jesus’ protecting name. Amen.
Read Psalm 23; Psalm 39; Psalm 91; Psalm 63.
