IN THE SHADOWS

 

He that dwelleth in the secret place
of the Most High shall abide
under the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1

My red bicycle awaited me by our Christmas tree. I may have been about eight years old. I knew it was a used bike but my dad had a friend paint it, adding a new basket to make it all really special. There was enough snow on the ground that riding a bike at that time was out of the question. In fact, I didn't get to ride it until the warmth of Spring made it's appearance.On one of those days, I got to go outside and ride my bike to my heart's content. However, I had to go to the next block down from our house in order to have a smooth, concrete street to ride on. 

 Mother told me to stay just in that block and I did. Kids rode bikes in the street all the time with safety. I had a great time that late afternoon riding back and forth keeping to the right side of the street.

Soon two BIG boys made an appearance...Richard and Jerry. They both lived in corner houses of that block. They were really BIG boys...probably about 12 years old. They stopped me and told me they had called the police to come for me because it was illegal for me to be riding on their block. One guarded one end of the block and the other the same on the other end. I couldn't even go home, as they blocked me. This went on for what seemed forever.

Sooner than I expected my Daddy called my name. He had walked from our house into the block where I was “captive.” The boys scattered and Daddy said nothing to them. He just took my bike and told me to walk in front of him on the sidewalk to our house. He had gotten home for supper and I guess saw what was going on. We never did talk about the incident.

However, I was left with something I've carried through life. Behind my Daddy was the sun. It was lowering toward evening. For some reason, I immediately, looking ahead and at times down on the sidewalk, noticed I was walking in Daddy's shadow. That told me that he was right behind me and no one was going to “get me” while I was in that shadow. I almost made a game of staying right in that shadow.

Through the years I've learned some things about shadows. In themselves, they can't hurt anyone. Sometimes, one can hide in shadows if there is danger. Shadows come as a result of a light shining behind a person or thing. We have the assurance from Hebrews 13:5 that Jesus will never leave or forsake us. Even though we can't see Him physically, He casts His shadow all around us. He makes His presence known in so many ways in each of our lives. Would I like to see Jesus in person? Sure would, but for now, that is reserved for another time.

Meanwhile, we will rejoice in the privilege of hiding under the shadow of our loving Heavenly Father. He is quite capable of scattering any bullies that may come our way.

Dear Father, thank You for the security of knowing You are always with us in any circumstances. May we be willing to stay hidden in Your loving shadow where we know Your warmth and care. Thank You for Your presence in our lives. In Jesus' precious name...Amen