Do Not Fear The Shadows

“On my bed I remember you;

I think of you through the watches of the night,

Because you are my help,

I sing in the shadow of your wings.”

Psalm 63:6-7 NIV

 

Most of my days are happy! I am a joyful person because I love Jesus. My husband is considerate and loving, my children keep in touch, and my grandchildren can paint a smile on my face as quick as their dancing eyes can flash a mischievous twinkle. I have female friends that surround me with laughter and kindness. I love my home. I love my church. I feel good most of the time. I enjoy hobbies that provide inspiration, pleasure and relaxation for my creative heart. If all of this is true, why then do I find the shadows in life so disturbing?

 

Shadows hide light rays. Shadows limit clarity and keep us from seeing things clearly. Because I can only see a trace of an object I begin to doubt if what I am seeing is really true. Shadows can cast gloom and can be upsetting to me because I am only able to see faintly what I desperately hope to see clearly. Shadows cast darkness between today and the future. Shadows can conjure up fear of what I perceive might happen and fear is a powerful joy buster!

 

As a believer I am thrilled to tell you that not all shadows are bad. Life can throw us a curve but there is a shadow of safety for me when I trust my Lord. I may feel like I am in the valley of the shadow of death but the Psalmist reminds me in Psalm 23:4 that I am “passing through” this difficult time. I must remind myself that I will not remain in this situation forever.

 

One of my favorite visuals is found in Psalm 17:8b. David asks the Lord to, “…hide me in the shadow of your wings”. This is a visual of the Almighty God spreading his wings in such a fashion that protects us from the storm. I am very well aware that there have been many storms in my life, but I can’t help wondering how many storms God has totally protected me from in the past. I am sure that I am not aware of how merciful to me God has been in the past.  These were the storms that were not allowed to touch me because I was under his wings! Now that is a shadow I love! There is no fear in that shadow and I can do the dance of joy because I know beyond a shadow of doubt, God keeps an all seeing eye on me and all those I love. Psalm 36:7 says, “How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.”  I love that God is no respecter of persons, he offers refuge to both those in high and low positions. Isaiah 51:16 reminds me that the shadow of God’s almighty and protective hand also covers me.

 

Fear at times can be crippling. We so want to know what is ahead provided it is good! But God allows the shadows so that we might trust him. If I listen, I can also hear him say, "Do not be afraid, for I am with you". Today in the garden it is good to think about some of the shadows that are presently falling in my heart’s garden. Where is fear lurking in the shadows ready to steal my joy? Today I want to look up to Jesus and simply say, “Lord Jesus, I trust you with the shadows in my life”.  If I am to fear anything I will fear that I will not be willing to give you the shadows that have the potential to reach out and grab my heart in crippling fear, and that such fear would thrive and rob me of today’s joy and sunshine. I know that if I will but look around me I will find plenty of reason for gratitude. The truth is that gratitude always leads to joy. So this day I choose to look upward to the light of his love. I will refuse to focus on the shadows but rather I will I will choose to live joyously. I will bask in God’s love, his mercy and his grace. I will express to God my gratitude for all he so graciously provides me with. In this moment of divine truth my eyes focus of a patch of gorgeous golden lantana! It is indeed beautiful and without a doubt shouts for joy! Jesus taught that if a man refuses to praise him, no need to worry, because the stones will cry out in praise to him!

 

In a new wave of devotion for my Savior I realize that if I am to walk in any shadow in this life I want it to be the shadow of my Savior. He has been my help in days gone by, he is my help this very moment, and he will be my help in the future! I may not see his face because the shadow that falls between earth and heaven prevents me from seeing him clearly. Nevertheless, I am reminded of the truth that in this life I am seeing through a glass darkly, but someday soon it will all be made new. I will see clearly the face of Jesus and I will understand the “why” of all the shadows that surrounded my life on earth. Until that day I find there is refuge in the shadow of my Lord. This shadow must not be a place of fear but rather a place of trust and in the shadow of HIS wings I will choose to sing for joy!

 

Questions:

1. Are there shadows in your life?
2. Have these shadows left you with feelings of fear or joy?
3. Have you ever considered that there may have been many times when the shadow of God’s wing of protection has hidden you from the enemy?
4. How will you view the shadows of uncertainty in the future?

Prayer:

 

Dear God,

 

Thank you for all of the many times you have hidden me from my enemy, Satan and from disaster. Even though I may not realize those times until I am in heaven, I anticipate with great joy having those times revealed to me. God, I love both your seen and your unseen protection and your guidance. I am grateful for your comfort when I am surrounded by an unwanted shadow.  I love that the shadow of your hand covers me now and the shadow of your wing at times has protected me in the past. Because of these amazing shadows I can sing for joy! Forgive me Lord when I despise and fear the shadows. Go before me so that I may walk in your shadow of goodness. Father, help me to focus on your love as I walk with you. I know that someday the shadows of earth will pass away and I will experience the pure light of eternal joy.

 

In your Son’s name I pray. Amen.

Beware of the Cave

“The angel of the LORD

encamps all around those who fear him,

 and delivers them.”

Psalm 34:7 NIV

“But the Lord is faithful,

and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”

2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV

Most of the time my heart’s garden is a beautiful place. However, there are times when pruning is required and rubbish needs to be hauled off and burned. Most of the time I experience extreme joy and comfort in the garden of my heart but sometimes there is deep sorrow and sadness. I have my favorite garden paths that I walk over and over again. In the garden there are benches to sit on to rest. I love to visit the cool streams and beautiful waterfalls because they always seem to  refresh my spirit. The back fence of the garden allows me to look out onto a lush meadow and far away in the distance there stands a high mountain range reminding me of God's majesty. Sometimes I can even put on my “God Glasses” and see the ocean from afar! There are also orchards and trees of every variety and size.  Most of the time, magnificent color abounds under the canopy of blue skies and fluffy white clouds. Occasionally, dark clouds hang over my spirit when I am in the middle of a dark personal storm that has invaded my life. Yet, when I look closely I see the storm is surrounded by God’s showers of blessings and his banner over me is his rainbow of promise. Even in the midst of the frightening storm I can feel God's love.

When I am in the garden I am always on the lookout for something new, different or interesting that I have not noticed in the garden before. Today was one of those days. I found myself following the sweet scent of a confederate jasmine vine entwined with some sweet tasting honeysuckle. I began pushing aside some of the invasive hanging vines and then, much to my surprise, I see an opening to a dark cave.

Curiosity began to get the better of me as I contemplated entering the dark cold cave. From behind me I heard the Gardner’s voice yell stop! I don’t know why but I continued on even though I knew this might not be a safe place. The darkness made me shudder yet I chose to move on into the cave.

Oddly enough, my eyes began to adjust to the darkness. It has been a hot day in the garden and the coolness of the cave offered relief. I consider leaving the cave but decide to stay longer. It didn’t take me very long to become comfortable and accustomed to the darkness.

For me, life has been a bit trying lately and the isolation of the cave seemed freeing, yet I knew down deep inside that the cave was not a place of freedom. I entertain the thought that no one can see me here. Maybe I can hide in here and avoid the problems of my life that are becoming more than I want to accept. Maybe here in the cave I can even hide from God. Maybe it is within this cave of darkness that I can hide my sinful thoughts and actions. Maybe in this dark cave I can stop being accountable for my actions. Down deep in my heart I know that this is not true because my God is an all knowing, all present, and all powerful God. The truth is my God is right here with me in this cave and I clearly hear his voice speak, “Run quickly – back to the light!”

I know deep within my spirit that I must run back into the light of the garden! If I choose not to run I will be positioning myself to become a target for Satan’s destruction. He will begin his work in my mind and if I am not careful I will succumb to his lies. I will push to the side of my mind the mind of my Master and allow self-centered thoughts to dominate my mind instead of listening to the Master. If I disregard the Way of my Master I will brush aside conviction and excuse my sin so I can justify my behavior. If I remain in the darkness of the cave my spirit will become as cold as the cave. If I linger in the cave Satan will whisper his damaging lies and I will become discouraged and depressed. I know that I am seeking relief from the troubles of life but I also recognize that the cool pleasure I feel in the cave is only deception that is shrouded in darkness. If I give in to my selfish desires and put my faith in the false comfort of the cave, I will eventually find myself sitting isolated on the floor of the cave alone, afraid, and wallowing in self pity!

Yes, the cave in the garden of my heart is a curious place. I dare not remain in this abyss of darkness! I look back at the entrance of the cave and I see the “Son is shinning”. This “Son” is the true light. He is the light that gives me life. I run to the light. Upon exiting the cave I notice that the “Son” is especially bright near the top of the tallest oak tree in the garden. Way on the top of this stately old tree I detect the “Son”, Jesus Christ, the Master Gardner. He calls to me and extends to me in love his nail scared hand of grace.

Jesus speaks, “Paula, you do not need to try to escape life and run into the despair of the cave. Come higher my daughter. Do not be depressed, discouraged, lonely, or overwhelmed. Paula, my child, come higher. Climb up here with me in this tall oak tree.” I begin to climb but I notice that Jesus is sitting way out on a very weak and fragile limb. I cry, “Lord, I cannot come, I am afraid.” Still he says, “Come higher, simply trust me.” Come up here for a little while and experience relief from the cares of your life. I want you to rest in my love and care. Come to me for peace and comfort. Come to me for strength and courage. Come to me for understanding. Come to me for rest and refreshment. Bring me your fear and feel the strong arms of my protection. Even out here on this extremely fragile limb I will be with you. Do not be afraid.

Questions:

1. What are you currently experiencing in your life that is hard?

2. Are you tempted at times to run to the cool darkness of the cave as a means of escape from the reality of your situation?

3. Do you understand that the cave is a place where Satan will pull you deeper into discontentment, depression and despair?

4. Is Jesus calling you to climb out on a limb to sit with him and to trust him with your fear?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus,

Restore in me the joy of my salvation! Protect me from the darkness that is found in the caves of sin. Protect me from Satan and his lies that promise me nothing of any value. Father, I praise you for the relationship that we have in the garden. I thank you for your faithfulness to meet me in the garden everyday because this is where I find my peace and comfort. Your joy is my strength. Our relationship is my treasure. Jesus my hope in every situation of life is found in you alone. Help me not to fear going out on a limb with you. Father, I know that even if the limb should break and I should fall, still you will be standing on the ground ready to catch me in your everlasting arms of love.

Jesus, in your name I pray. Amen.

Why Are You So Afraid?

“A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
Mark 4:37-41 NIV

The garden of my heart is not only a place of prayer. It is a quiet place that I can take my Bible and sit and read, contemplate God’s eternal words, re-read the words, and look for personal application. It is during personal application that I usually try to be quiet and still and allow God to teach me his truth.

This morning I grab my coffee, tuck my Bible under my arm and head for the garden. The spot that I choose to sit is surrounded by tall and stately deep red bee balm. Today the purple cone flowers are particularly beautiful. The Shasta daisies seem to nod their cheerful heads in a good morning greeting. The yellow yarrow is stunning. But my all time favorite is the delicate wisps of lavender blue Russian sage. I am delighted as I think to myself what an absolutely charming setting to be taught by God.

My teaching today begins in the book of Mark. I’m reading about a time that the disciples were taught by Jesus. However, the setting was not charming nor was it delightful! The disciples found themselves out in the middle of the sea when a storm came up. Not just any storm, Mark tells us that “a furious squall came up and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.” The disciples were terrified! To add to their hopelessness Jesus was calmly sleeping in the back of the boat.

Have you ever been in great distress and thought that Jesus was asleep on the job? I must confess that I have had that experience more than once. I have felt like I was drowning in a sea of despair and that Jesus didn’t give a rip! I too have found myself shaking Jesus’ shoulders and saying, “Wake up Lord! Pay attention! I’m not going to make it!”

To the disciples shock and amazement Jesus simply stood up and spoke three words. “Get the mop!” No, I don’t think so. Instead, with divine power Jesus spoke the command as only the creator of the universe could do. Jesus said, “Quiet! Be still!” In that same manner Jesus speaks to the wind and the waves of my fearful heart and says, “Quiet!” Be still!”

The disciples were dumbfounded! They had always observed Jesus meeting the needs of others, but on this day he met their need in a very personal way. For the first time they witnessed the divinity of Jesus Christ. They talked among themselves and asked, “Who is this?” They saw him not just a teacher who could perform healing miracles but they began for the first time to see him as God, the great “I Am” the One who controls the wind and the waves. If you think they were terrified before, now they were “triple - ripple” terrified. The hair on the back of their necks was standing up! Their hearts were beating out of their chests! They now had a new respect for Jesus. He went from teacher to Lord in a heartbeat.

God’s message to my heart this day is, “Paula, please don’t be terrified as to who I Am. I just want you to see me in my power and glory. I want you to respect me, but do not be afraid. I want you to love me not for what I can do for you but because of what I have already done for you. Please, “Quiet! Be still!” trust me. I’m not asleep. I know your every need and I am here to comfort and protect you. I will get you safely home. This disastrous boat of life will soon come to rest on the shore of heaven, but until that time simply trust me with all of your fears. Do not be terrified. I am here for you.

Questions:

Are you experiencing fear in your life?

Do you see Jesus as someone who helps others but not you?

Do you see Jesus as a teacher who lived 2000 years ago or do you see him as your personal Savior, the Lord of your life?

Do you believe that if you become quiet and still, God can calm the storm in your life and give you his peace?


Prayer:

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for your teachings this day. Today I ask you to calm the winds and waves of my heart. Take away the disastrous blowing and tossing waves of fear. Jesus, I know that when fear consumes me I become paralyzed and cannot be used by you. Forgive me for the frightening feelings that I have deep within my heart. Take away the fearful thoughts of coming disaster. Thank you Lord. Help me to embrace great joy as I allow you to take control of my life. Help me to continue to trust you one day at a time for each and every detail of my life.

In Your Name I Pray. Amen

Meeting God Face to Face

“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith,
having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience
…Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess,
for he who promised is faithful.”
Hebrews 10:22a-23 NIV

I am thankful that God’s Word tells me there is a heaven. “Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven,” Matthew 5:12a NIV. The truth is; there is a heaven and someday soon every one of us will meet God face to face. Some people will get to stay with him forever and others will be asked to leave his presence forever.

If you have accepted Jesus Christ you need not fear meeting God face to face and standing in the presence of the one who gave his life for you. Yet, I have met some wonderful Christians who do fear this experience. I have been in that position myself. Today I would like to suggest one reason why you might experience fear upon meeting God. You might be afraid of hearing him ask this question, “What have you ever done that would cause me to allow you to enter into my heaven?”

My first experience in church found me in a “religion” that had a lot of rules to keep. I never could keep all of the rules or do all of the things that was required of me. I thought that if I could keep all of the rules I would have God’s favor. I was frustrated. I was fearful. There was no joy in that religion. I had two boxes. One contained “a list” of things I could NOT do and the other box contained “a list” of things I SHOULD do. I was a failure on both counts. Week after week I would sit in church and vow to do better. But I found that even before our Sunday lunch was over I would have said something that I shouldn’t have said and upon entering church the following Sunday I realized I still had left many things undone! Then I would become fearful because my attempt to be perfect had once again ended in failure. My spiritual focus was on religion and its rules vs. a personal relationship with God. I was trying to earn God’s favor.

My loving God saw my fear and frustration and showed me another way. It was the way of “grace.” God’s grace taught me that because of Jesus I was forgiven. It was a done deal. Then God began to teach me that I was to be responsible and accountable for my behavior. When I was faced with failure he reminded me that we were in this relationship together. I learned that it was my job to ask God for his strength to help me with the things that I found impossible to do in my own strength. I began to wonder why God was always faithfully there for me, and then I realized that it was because he loved me and we were on a journey together. I was no longer afraid of God but now filled with joy because of the knowledge that the Spirit of God lived inside of me, to be my helper and my friend. I left “religion” behind and moved into a “relationship” with Jesus Christ.

I realized that trying to be good and doing good deeds would never be enough to get rid of the sin in my life. I could never do anything that would provide me with a suitable answer to God’s question. I now know that when I meet God face to face I simply will reply, “The only thing that I have ever done that would allow me to enter your heaven is that I have accepted and put my trust in the sacrifice and forgiveness that your son, Jesus Christ, made for me.” Jesus has paid my admission price into heaven. “…there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” Romans 8:1 NIV. The fear of meeting God face to face is gone.

Questions:

Are you a fearful or a joyful believer?

Are you trying to keep rules or do good deeds so that you will be sure you are going to heaven?

If so, what are those rules and/or good deeds?

How many rules do you need to keep?

How many good deeds are enough?

What if you are short one good deed?

Has God provided a better way?

What is that way?

Have you accepted the way God has provided for you?


Prayer:

Dear God,

It seems that it really is so simple! Why have I complicated your free gift of salvation? Help me to accept in simple faith that you want to get me safely home to heaven. You are indeed a God of love because you have made it so simple. Perhaps it is the simplicity that I have not been able to comprehend. So right now God, I am going to take a leap of faith and accept your free gift of salvation through your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you God that I no longer fear meeting you face to face.

In Jesus’ Name I pray. – Amen