Shadows

Psalm 23:4 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me;Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."

Shadows.  Why did God make shadows? Do you think it was an oversight on His part? Did he forget to 'break' off our shadow when He formed us, like when the edges of a new mold get trimmed away? What purpose does a shadow have?

As I read the verse in Psalms it caused me to recall how scary shadows can be. Children, and even adults, can sometimes get frightened through the night with the shadows they see around them. If you throw in a little wind through their curtains, ordinary objects suddenly become ferocious monsters, vampires and a host of other unseemly entities. Horror movies always seem to make the most of shadows in the night and the fear those shadows bring. Shadows can be exaggerated and become even more frightful. Shadows seen in the dark are seldom good. 

A shadow is defined as "a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface."

So, why did God make shadows? You cannot touch or hold a shadow. It cannot be caught (except in the cartoon, Peter Pan). It has no scent. What purpose could a shadow have? Can anything good come from a shadow?

While you may not be able to touch or hold a shadow, a shadow can be felt. What about the shadow of a tree? We call it shade. On hot, summer days we may search out this particular shadow and let out a little, contented sigh as we find a brief refuge from the heat. When clouds blow through they sometimes shadow the land with an even greater shade and also provide a barrier from the sun's scorching rays.  

Shadows can also alert us to the presence of others. When we are walking we can often avoid a collision with others because we first caught a glimpse of their shadow. Likewise, the shadow of cars on the highway or even in a parking lot, when we are trying to find a place to park, can aid us in our safety and pursuits.

Shadows may also provide comfort. We may glimpse a familiar shadow of a friend or loved one and be comforted in the presence and 'shade' of their love and care. Shadows can provide whimsical fun through the art of shadow puppets. Some shadow artists have even taken their art to a whole new level by acting out stories simply be utlizing the power of the shadow. Shadows seen in the light of day are seldom feared because we see what is casting the shadow.

So, what about the valley of the shadow of death? Though shadows cannot harm us, they can scare us. When our minds become darkened with our cares and anxieties, depression or fears, the shadows can seem very real. Though we may not be able to touch a shadow we can feel the weight of the shadows as our thoughts remain in that darkened place. What is the 'body' in that valley that is standing between the light and the surface? I wonder, when we are walking through our valley, what kind of shadow unforgiveness can cast. It seems it may definitely stand like an ominuous shadow between us and God. Doubt may be another. What about unresolved hurts and conflicts? Maybe forgiveness has occurred but somehow the sting has not gone away. Many, many things can cast shadows in our valley. 

Some bible commentators define the valley of the shadow of death as a dark, dismal place. A place where the darkness seems to permeate to the very marrow of your bones. Remember, it is a journey through and not a destination. On this journey we are promised that the Lord and His protection will travel with us. We must remember what the psalmist said, "I will fear no evil; For You are with me;Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."

 In this valley of shadows we can come face to face with our fears and become conquerors and overcomers through the word of God. The shadows would seek to convince us that we are alone and on our own. They would try and persuade us to think that we must battle with our own strength and our own wit. 

Have you ever held up your arm to block the sun on a bright day? By doing so you cast a shadow upon your face or eyes to protect from  the sun's rays. If we lower our arm, the light of the sun is restored fully upon us. Perhaps we do not realize that when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death that we are actually holding up the very things that would block the Light of the Lord and keep it from shining upon us fully. Maybe when we lower our fear, doubt, unforgiveness, hopelessness, worry and any other shadow causing thing, it is then we will feel the fully restorative warmth and power of the Light of God's love and virtue. 

So, why did God make shadows? 

-For comfort

-For laughter

-For safety

-For protection

-To help us face our fears

As you walk through your valley of the shadow of death may you take comfort in remembering that the Lord goes with you. Also, shadows are exaggerated reflections of often ordinary things. The shadow of death is just that...a shadow. It is an exaggerated reflection and it may be exaggerated to the extent of our fears and their many faces. Draw close to Jesus and His word. He is the Way, the Truth and the Light. Lay down anything that would cast a shadow between you and the Lord. Take comfort in His presence and His protection. May your faith consume your fears and you remain victorious through Jesus. 

Many blessings to you.