Bible Reading
- Joshua 15
- Psalms 91
- Proverbs 17
- Acts 18
Are you a SHADOW DWELLER?
Have you ever walked in someone else’s shadow? You were known by their name; they got all the glory and recognition, and you did all the work. This situation can bring feelings of frustration, inferiority, and inadequacy. It is never fulfilling or comforting to feel inferior and over looked. However, as a Christian, living in someone’s shadow can be the most beautiful experience of your life if you are walking in the Lord’s shadow.
Imagine a bird with her young safely nestled close to her downy breast. Her strong wings weighted above her young. She takes the force of the wind and rain, and they are warm and dry under the shadow of her wings. The Psalmist sings of this same comfort and peace that comes from dwelling under the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1-2 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Psalm 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Psalm 91:10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
The Lord wants to bless and deliver his shadow-dwellers in much the same way that Caleb, in Joshua 15, wanted to bless his daughter. She came to him and said…
Joshua 15:19 … Give me a blessing; for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And he gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs.
Caleb doubled her blessing and gave her the upper springs and the nether springs. Caleb wanted to bless his child and gave beyond what she every expected. So goes the blessings from our Lord for his shadow-dwellers.
If dwelling in his shadow is so wonderful and peaceful, why would you ever leave? A desire for personal praise and recognition will lead you to step outside of the LORD’s Shadow. Sometimes the Lord’s direction for your life seems contrary to what you want to do. For these reasons, and many more, you will step outside of his wings, set out from the shadow to face life alone.
Once you step out seeking greater fulfillment you will be reminded of your weak condition and inabilities. You will find the harshness of this world from which you had been protected. Do you really want the glory instead of giving it to God, where it rightly belongs? Do you really believe that your way is better than God’s way? Stepping back in humility — under the Shadow — you will realize that His strength and abilities have become yours. You will discover God’s protection and guidance through life’s storms.
While dwelling near to him, he may test your heart to see if it has become lazy with ease. The trial is not so that the Lord can know the state of your heart. He already knows. The trial is set so YOU can know the state of your heart.
Proverbs 17:3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
While dwelling in his shadow, do not envision yourself laid back with ease. You are to be bold and productive for your Lord. Speak of him and do the works that he has for you to do. Use the talents that he has given you to do great things.
Acts 18:9-10 … Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee…
As you work for the Lord, under his shadow, you will be known by HIS name; HE gets all the glory and recognition while HE uses you to do the work. This is not a bad thing. This is a glorious thing. Dwelling in his shadow will never bring frustration and inadequacy; but peace, comfort, and strength.
And now for the best part!…In the last few verses of Psalm 91, the Lord speaks of the Psalmist under his wings and says… “Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.” (Psalm 91:14-16)
May I Be a Shadow Dweller
May I always choose to stay in His Shadow.
He can go first, and I will follow.
When He turns around, may he find me there,
Through His strength; I am ready to go anywhere.
Alone, there is no good thing in me,
But in His Shadow, they “glorified God in me”
-ds
HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH GOD
Lord, am I fighting to get out from under your wing?
Lord, do I follow or fight your direction?
Lord, help me to know the condition of my heart. Am I being lazy or am I working for you?
Lord, I want to be a Shadow-dweller. I want to be protected, tested, and used by you. I pray that people would glorify God in me…
Glory, Strength, & Beauty 