“Yea, though I walk through the shadow of the valley of death.” Psalm 23:4
“Shadows result when something comes between you and the light.”
My thoughts today are about “just a shadow.”
As a child, have you ever playfully cast shadows on a wall using your hands to project the silhouette of a dog, or soaring eagle? Those are not frightening, because you know that you created them. But most shadows are not your creation. Like a child, you may be frightened by a shadow sometimes, especially if you are not sure what it is or what is causing it.
David, who wrote today’s verse, describes the very real times when you walk through an experience that is puzzling, even frightening. The experience is real, but things are not always as they first appear to be. Often it is just a shadow.
Your imagination can create shadows of danger where there is none. Circumstances can cause shadows menacing and dark, that really aren’t. An unfortunate failure can cast a shadow that you are a failure, when you are not. Your past can cast a long shadow, projecting as though it was a prediction of their future, but it isn’t. Sometimes you may have troubling questions that cause shadows, misleading you to think because you do not have an answer right now that there is no adequate answer, but there will be. Your fear can cause shadows convincing you the danger is real, but you are safe in His care.
I’ve observed some things about shadows that are good to know. Shadows are real, but often what a shadow suggests is not at all what the reality is. Shadows can be scary, but the very thing that looks the most frightening is only an exaggeration of something less. Shadows seem bigger than whatever is creating them. It is important at such times to remember they are just shadows.
What causes shadows? It is really very simple. Shadows result when something blocks the light. There are many things – everyday things – that can block the Light. Anything that comes between you and the One who is the Light of the world will cause life to seem shadowy and uncertain. Life in the light is always best.
Jesus said that whenever and wherever you walk through a place of shadows, you would find Him there with you. David’s assurance, and it can be your experience as well, “The Lord is my Shepherd . . I will fear no evil for You are with Me.” Psalm 23:1,4 NIV. God will be your companion to scatter the night and brighten your way, because He is the light that banishes all darkness.
The key to dispelling shadows is to simply walk in the light always and only. John wrote, “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all . . if we walk in the light as He is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another.” 1 John 1:5,7 NKJV.
My prayer for you is that you will feel His presence brighten every day.