Your shadow?
What do you think of when you hear the word shadow?
Does the word have a negative connotation of darkness, fear, or death?
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death… Psalm 23:4
Do you picture a deep, dark cave or tunnel?
Or does the word shadow bring to mind a walk in the heat of the summer where the trees share their gift of shade alongside the soothing gurgle of a mountain stream?
Those shadows are the comforting ones, aren’t they?
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1
But, if we are children of God, we are called to demonstrate the qualities of our Lord Jesus. That can also include the type of shadow the we cast.
Our “shadow”, our influence, touches everyone with whom we come in contact.
What kind of shadow are we casting?
- Like the trees that provide shade from too much sun, do we protect our loved ones from harm?
- Like those glorious trees formed by our Creator, do we develop a strong foundation (root system) of faith and lift our faces toward Heaven to seek daily nourishment from God? Thus our “shadow” can grow as we grow in faith.
- Do we shield our young people from the overuse of technology and too much exposure from social media?
- Do we share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others”
- Do we live by the Fruit of the Spirit so that the “shadow” of that fruit is an example for all with whom we interact?
But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
What kind of shadow are you casting?
Will you join me in prayer?
Father God, Creator of the majesty of the universe, you have formed us to be your witnesses for Jesus here on Earth. We cast our shadow everywhere we go and in all that we do. Help us be a shadow of sheltering and and protective love for your children and grant that we may live by the Fruit of the Spirit, spreading your message of love and salvation. Amen
Thanks for sharing this insight. I need to have my shadow be one that protects others instead of one that overshadows and snuffs them out.
Love the way you express this, Joanna. That’s a goal we should all strive for. Thanks for sharing this wonderful insight.
Thank you for this reflection! It brings to mind the verse that says the things of the past were a shadow of what was to come… a foretelling. I’d like to be more of a shadow of the good things to come!
Yes, Erin, I agree. Just imagine how we could help our world be a more loving and peaceful home for everyone if we would all strive to be a shadow focusing on actions that Jesus teaches. When asked what was the greatest commandment, our Lord replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it. Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt 22:37-39). What a glorious place our planet Earth would be if we could all follow these two commandments!
A good visual reminder of our influence on others – wherever our shadow falls we have either a positive impact for the Kingdom or not. Thanks for this image.
Thank you, Cathy. I have found that imagery helps me “see” and understand concepts better. Thank you for your encouragement and your witness to others.
Love this thought Ms. Katherine. Does my life, my words, my actions bring refuge and shelter to others or do I only pile onto all the dark ominous shadows of this world working to overtake them? What a precious reminder of how our shadows should not distort the light.
You’ve added a wonderful additional dimension, J.D. Our Lord Jesus is the Light of the World and we must be so careful that our “shadow” doesn’t prevent the spread of the Light, but that our “shadow” instead, absorbs and internalizes the Light of Jesus and then shares it with others by spreading the Gospel.
Wow, such a great perspective!! I pray my shadow will be one of comfort and rest, reflecting Jesus Himself!
That is my prayer as well, Emily. Thank you!
What a wonderful post, Katherine. This is a beautiful image. To be honest, the first thing I think of when I hear the word “shadows” is Batman 🙂 But your so right. What kind of shadow are we casting? That question is going to stay with me. My prayer is that my shadow looks like Christ and that he will show me when it doesn’t. Thank you for this wonderful post.
Didn’t I see Batman at BRMCWC? I believe your shadow does reflect Jesus and provides a wonderful example for the rest of us. Thanks for your encouragement.
I absolutely love the idea of resting in the shadow of the Almighty. And hopefully while resting there, I can learn to be more Christlike in my actions so that my shadow reflects godliness and love. Thank you for sharing, Katherine!
I like your word picture of resting in the shadow of the Almighty where we are renewed and strengthened to become more Christlike to be witnesses for our Lord Jesus. I pray that our shadows can reflect godliness and love and share the Good News!
Katherine, your post reminds me that we are image bearers of Christ. I love this sentence: “Our “shadow”, our influence, touches everyone with whom we come in contact.” Your words led me to examine my influence. Thank you.
It’s scary to consider how important our role as “image bearers” is. Yet, we have the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide us in our task as witnesses for our Lord. Thank you for your encouragement, Jeannie. Wishing you a blessed week!