Standing in His Shadow

In the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,

till the storms of destruction pass by.

Psalm 57:1b

I am claustrophobic. Whether it’s a tight space or a tight embrace my breath quickens as I struggle for freedom. It’s probably one of the reasons why I love the image of being in the shadow of God’s protective wing. I want to feel secure not claustrophobic.

Standing in shadows isn’t a suffocating experience. Instead, one finds relief from heat, the wind, the rain while at the same time keeping the ability to be mobile, with a view of what’s happening. If we are to learn from our experiences, it’s important that we see what we’re facing. Locking ourselves in a windowless room or closing our eyes doesn’t help prepare us for anything.

When we’re facing storms of destruction God spreads out his wing of protection. He provides the shadow that reminds us of his presence while providing a “safe” space to learn and grow from the experience. It’s all part of growing up in Christ. If we want to be a Jesus follower that is mature and strong it will require us to be content in the shadow of God’s wing instead of always seeking a face lock embrace.

Now, we have to be honest, an embrace is wonderful. But, if we are going to become strong as a result of our “storms”, taking refuge in God’s shadow will give us the comfort we need while at the same time give us a view of the upcoming lesson.

Father, thank you for your wing shadow of protection.

It reminds me that nothing can truly harm me and that this present storm

is yet another part of my growing up in you.

Amen.