Today, February the second, is Groundhog Day. I remember having fun activities planned for my students on this day. We would talk about groundhog Phil and his history. Votes were cast to see if he would see his shadow or not. You grow to always know the end result of Phil’s action. Phil would ultimately see his shadow, and retreat to his den for six more weeks of winter.
Some folks may feel that they live under a shadow…a shadow of fear, death, disease, self-imposed-criticalness, disappointment, or (you fill in the blank). Others may feel that they live under the shadow of the Most High.
Whichever shadow is hovering over you, you have a choice in how you retreat during the process.
Will you allow the fear and sin to overshadow your life?
In Psalm 23 we read:
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. Psalm 23:4 KJV
Notice that even in the shadow of death itself, David placed his confidence in living in the freedom and protection of God. Just like David, there may be times that you are walking right through a haunting shadow, yet please retreat to The Protector.
When you retreat to the Heavenly Father, remind yourself of Psalm 27:1.
The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom should I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom should I dread? Psalm 27:1 NASB
You may have to have this verse echoing in your mind and on your lips often, but rest assured that the Lord will walk with, defend, and save you.
I mentioned above that some live under a shadow of fear, while others live under the shadow of the Most High.
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 NLT
Y’all, stay with God. Live in His presence. How? Get into His word daily. Chat with (pray to) the Lord all the time. Grow your relationship with Jesus Christ. Like the verse says, when you live under God’s protection you will find peace and rest.
Those who live in His shadow will again raise grain, And they will blossom like the vine. His renown will be like the wine of Lebanon. Hosea 14:7 AMP
He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of His hand He hid me; He made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in His quiver. Isaiah 49:2 NIV
I want to encourage you to be secure in knowing the end result, like we do each year with Phil. Get your relationship right with Jesus Christ. Rest in His protection and love. Life is short. Trial/shadows will come. How will you retreat through the process?
Our life is like a puff of air. It is like a passing shadow. Psalm 144:4 ERV
Praying that you will rest and retreat in the shadow of God.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
(The above photo was taken this summer. It is the shadow of us on the boat.)
#faithoverfear #livingintheshadowofGod #soakinguptheson #myProtector