Psalm 91: 1 ”He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
We’ve previously learned how to see God in nature, we’ve learned that God works in our lives even when we cannot see or sense it….and today we will learn that God is there…in the shadows of our lives… as we walk the unknown path darkened with our burdens and concerns.
Today is overcast and dreary, the sky is dark, and the wind is blowing. This is how we feel at times when the path of life takes us into the shadows; into the unknown places where the answers to our earthly problems seem hidden; where courage is necessary and avoiding what is ahead is not an option. Not long ago I found myself sitting in such a place…. with not one or two stuggles burdening me…but three or four. I'm sure in your busy life you can relate. In our modern world…we juggle, we struggle…we try, we strive ….yet even with these efforts the winds of change blow in and cast these shadows…these trials -for such is the nature of this earthly life.
Like the breath of life that ebbs and flows, the shadows of life will come and go….and dim the light around us…. just as billowing clouds on an overcast day cast a temporary shadow where we stand. Within the shadows of life we can attain “a spiritual discipline that will greatly strengthen our faith and establish our spiritual character.” Finding this discipline is necessary as we walk through life. Just “like the fierce winds that calls the might cedars on the mountainside to sink their roots more deeply into the soil”1…. we are called to be deeply rooted in faith and in doing so enable ourselves to endure the darkness that overtakes us as the ever-changing winds blow.
Faithfully, we look deep within and find our courage- for it will take us where we must go...and that is forward. As we walk into these mandatory shadows with all the faith and courage we can muster , deep growth takes place; we become rooted, surrendered, into God’s plan and not even fierce winds will move us because we are prepared for what is ahead-and faith in the Almighty makes this so! My friend, we must “stop interfering with God’s plans and with His will. Touching anything of His mars the work. Moving the hands of a clock to suit you does not change the time.” 2
Faithfully, we look deep within and find our courage- for it will take us where we must go...and that is forward. As we walk into these mandatory shadows with all the faith and courage we can muster , deep growth takes place; we become rooted, surrendered, into God’s plan and not even fierce winds will move us because we are prepared for what is ahead-and faith in the Almighty makes this so! My friend, we must “stop interfering with God’s plans and with His will. Touching anything of His mars the work. Moving the hands of a clock to suit you does not change the time.” 2
Not too long ago I faced a “shadow-land”, where loneliness loomed, I prayed and God answered:
“(I) still have secrets-hidden from “the wise and learned” (Luke 10:21). Do not fear these unknown things, but be content to accept the things you cannot understand and to wait patiently; in due time (I) will reveal the treasures of the unknown to you-the riches of the glory of the mystery. Recognize that the mystery is simply the veil covering (my) face. Do not be afraid to enter the cloud descending on your life, for (I) am in it and the other side is radiant with (my) glory. “Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ” (I Peter 4: 12-13). When you feel the most forsaken and lonely, (I) am near. (I am) in the darkest cloud. Forge ahead into the darkness without flinching; knowing that under the shelter of the cloud, (I am) waiting for you”3 with the richness of forgiveness, a depth of courage and a vastness of love that will sustain you till the shadow of life has subsided and my light is warming you again.
A Brief Summary:
· In time God will unveil everything and we will understand our problems and understand the mystery of life itself.
· Do not be afraid to enter the cloud descending on your life -those issues you struggle with in this world-for God is in them!
· Do not be surprised at your trials as if something strange (or undeserving) is happening to you. Understand that on this earth Christ suffered and so will we.
· When you feel the most forsaken and lonely—God is near!
· Go forward through your pain without flinching (with great courage) knowing that under the shelter of the Cloud God is waiting for you.
Proverbs 25: 2 “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of Kings”.
God is mysterious but just like the wind that blows through the cedars, we can feel this power and wisely attribute it to something real but invisible-for it is.
Scriptural tie-in:
The Mystery: "Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory" I Timothy 3:16
Answer: Jesus Christ.
Dedicated to Cheryl-who is in the Shadowland for now!
Scriptural tie-in:
The Mystery: "Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory" I Timothy 3:16
Answer: Jesus Christ.
Dedicated to Cheryl-who is in the Shadowland for now!
Footnotes:
1 Streams in the Desert
2 Streams in the Desert (March 30th)
3 Streams in the Desert (March 14th)
2 Streams in the Desert (March 30th)
3 Streams in the Desert (March 14th)
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