WE CAN REST IN GOD'S SHADOW

Keyword SHADOW (noun): shelter from danger or observation, a hovering over, a shade 

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 91:1 NIV

Have you ever tried to walk or stand in another person’s shadow? It’s a fun game for little ones–trying to stay in the shadow of someone else.

 They soon figure out a couple of things:

1.     Staying in the shadow means staying pretty close to the person making it.

2.     Staying in the shadow is much easier when the person making it doesn’t move.

What a relief that God is the one making a shadow for us, and he is not playing a game. We can count on him to stay firmly in place and let us come as close as we need to. 

“He will spread his wings over you and keep you secure…” Psalm 91: 4

Psalm 91 is one of the most comforting passages in the Bible, and I especially love how it begins. In these first few verses, our near and unchanging God invites us to stay in his shadow and live close to him. He welcomes us into a place of safety and comfort where he will protect us completely.  

A secret place in the middle of this complicated life sounds amazing to me. I think of my favorite childhood book, The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The main character, a recently orphaned child named Mary, struggles to make sense of her new situation. She is lost, sad, scared, and unwanted. Nothing seems comfortable or safe until she discovers a mysterious hidden garden and spends her days tending it, bringing it back to life. The garden behind the secret door was her refuge, her hiding place, her shelter and her shade.

 Do you need to find a place like this like I do? A secret place to hide and rest for a bit today?

If you are hurting, hide in God’s shadow. He knows what will soothe your heart. He will wrap you in his arms of comfort and dry your tears.

If you are exhausted, hide in God’s shadow. He wants to restore and refresh you. He will breathe new life into you in this quiet, restful spot right next to him.

If you are afraid, hide in God’s shadow. He is able to calm you. He will hold your stress and your fears as he covers you with his peace.

God knows how to heal, to fill, and to nurture us. Everything we need can found in the shadow of his wings.

Then you will say to the Lord,

“You are my fortress,

my place of safety;

you are my God,

and I trust you.” Psalm 91: 2

We can close our eyes and take a deep breath of Jesus. He will surround, surpass, and surprise us as we trust in his higher thoughts and ways.

Dear Jesus, thank you for your shadow. You hide me there in your fortress, you comfort me in this closeness to you, you protect me by spreading your wings over me. Please take my worries and stress and let me rest with you. Amen.