In the shadows
This past week, school began and I resumed my Grandma daycare duties. Up at 5:00 a.m. for chores, I was happy for a full moon to light my way to farm chores. But poplar and oak trees loomed over the barn and towered over paths, blocking the moon’s light and casting deep shadows along the farm trail.
Super Moon
In August we had two full moons, one on August 1 and another on August 31.** When we have a second full moon in a month it’s called a Blue Moon (once in a Blue Moon doesn’t occur very often). A Super Moon*** occurs when the moon is closer to Earth in its orbit and appears bigger and brighter.
But even this Super Blue Moon couldn’t penetrate the shadows cast by giant trees laden with foliage. Because I couldn’t see in the shadows, I needed help–my trusty flashlight.
In the shadows
Sometimes we’re caught in the shadows, aren’t we? Darkness surrounds us and we aren’t sure of our pathway. We can stumble along, struggle to make the right decision, and fall on our faces because we’ve lost our way.
Seeking the light
But there is an alternative. We can seek God’s word for guidance.
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (Psalm 119:105)
We can seek the Light of Jesus for guidance.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Whose shadow?
But before we get too fearful of the shadows, let’s consider that being in the shadows isn’t always bad. Scripture reminds us when we are in God’s shadow, we are protected.
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1)
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadows of your wings. (Psalm 63:3-4, 7).
Our Lord is our Light to show us the way to walk with Him. Our God is our protection, our guide, our Savior. With Him we are safe.
Super Blue moon on my farm
Prayer: Gracious and loving Father. Thank you for sending us the Light of Jesus, our Savior, to save us. Thank you for being our protector, our merciful Father, and our faithful guide on our journey.
**Washington Post Article, pictures of Super Blue Moon, August 2023
***NASA article, “What Is a Super Moon?”
Katherine, I’m so thankful for the light of God’s love. Blessings.
I’m grateful too, Diana. Thank you for sharing the light.
I am so blessed by God’s light and forgiveness!!!! God is our constant companion, counselor, Heavenly Father, and our everything!!!!! Praise God for all His many blessings!!!!! Love your posts and look forward to them each week!!! Thank you and May God Bless!!!!!
Thanks so much for your kind encouragement, Martha. Like you, I’m so grateful for our Father’s grace, love, and mercy. Without Him, we are lost. I hope your grandchild is enjoying kindergarten. It’s been a good start of the school year for my girl. Wishing you joy and blessings.
Psalm 91 is a favorite of mine. I am glad we can dwell in the shadow of His wings. There is no better place for rest and protection. Thanks for sharing your awesome picture of the moon!
It’s so comforting to know that we are safe in the shadow of His wings. Thank you for your kind thoughts, Barbara. May God continue to bless your ministry of service to Him.
Amen! Even when we find ourselves in non-godly shadows, knowing He is there with us brings comfort. Loved the post Ms. Katherine. Thank you for your encouraging and inspiring words ma’am.
Thank you for your kindness and encouragement, J.D. We are so blessed by the goodness of our loving Father. I hope you’re having a great week and have had a break in the heat. I think it has come East. Joy and blessing, my friend.
What a beautiful contrast of both God’s light and His shadow! I saw the Super Blue Moon at the beach. Although it was partially covered by clouds, I got a sense of its brightness through a sliver of an opening in the clouds.
I wish you could have had clear skies to view the super moon. It would have been so lovely over the ocean. I’m sure there will be another opportunity. God’s creation is so amazing and we are blessed to live in the shadow of His majestic power. Joy and peace!
Katherine, I’m thankful for God’s word. My walk through this dark world requires a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. Your day starts early! Thanks for sharing.
I’m with you on that, Lisa. We are so blessed to have His word to guide our feet and light our path. And He is always just a prayer away. Praying for you.
God’s presence is so sweet.
Yes, Vera. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for another great post. This one reminded me that under the shadow of His wings is a good place to be.
We’ve both been through the darkness and found His strength and faithfulness to bring us back into the light. Thank you for your encouragement, Sylvia. Joy and peace!
Great information about the blue moons. The phenomena are more frequent this year than in most others, but still rare.
Beautiful post, Katherine. God bless!
Thank you, Nancy. I’m grateful for your kind words. May God continue to bless you and your service to Him.
Beautiful post, Katherine. I am enamored by moonlight. Love and appreciate the spiritual connection with shadows, those we fear and those we need not.
I love moonlight, too, Mary. It sheds such a gentle luminance that seems to relieve the harshness of everyday life. Thank you for pointing out the contrasting views of being in the shadows. While I tend to see shadows as harboring threats, the reminder of loving words in Scripture where we are under God’s protection when in the shadows, brings assurance of His protection. Thank you for sharing your insights.
I’m thankful for the light the Lord brings into my life and for His protection. I know I am safe with Him, and that fills me with peace.
Wow. You are an amazing woman.
Another inspiring post Katherine. We need the light of Christ in our lives to show us the way in the dark. But, being from Oklahoma, I enjoy the shadows this time of year because they help keep things cool in our summer heat. Thanks for sharing your insight
Like you, Yvonne, I seek the shadows of shade during these hot summer months. It’s wonderful that we have the Light of Jesus and the shelter and shadows of our loving Father’s protection to guide our path. He never leaves us alone in the darkness as long as we seek Him. Blessings!
Amen, Katherine! Oh, that I would always sense the shadow of Father’s arms protecting me.
Oh, yes, Annie! We can always depend upon Him to protect and guide us. We are so blessed.
I love it, Katherine–God is the light to our path and yet we can shelter in the shadow of His wings! The Bible is so poetic and appeals to our senses and our need for concrete pictures!
Scripture blesses us in so many ways. We are truly blessed to have God’s Word to guide us on our journey. And blessed beyond measure to have the protection of His wings and the Light of Jesus to guide our path. May God continue to bless you in service to Him, Kathy.