Walking in the shadows is a common occurrence when hiking in the mountains of the Southeastern United States. Unlike our Western sisters, most of the Eastern mountains are completely blanketed to their peaks with vegetation providing ample opportunity for shadows to linger and lengthen during sunny days.
For the psalmist shepherd, leading his sheep meant treks through valleys and over mountains plush with shadows. Areas of darkness where thieves and murderers often held up and predatory animals crouched. Yet his confidence lay in the Lord. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me (Psalm 23:4 KJV).
Shadow walking is unavoidable. At a height of six foot one inch, I can cast a shadow more than twice my length when the sun’s rays are positioned correctly against my body.
Knowing that shadows distort is helpful. Remembering they can arouse fearful emotions and house dangerous situations is also beneficial. Only by faith walking can we dispel the negatives of walking in the shadows of brokenness, disappointment, despair, financial ruin, dysfunctional relationships, unfaithfulness, death, and a host of other challenges that accompany living in this world.
Successful Christian living is walked by faith not by sight or tangible proof…shadows or no shadows. What silhouettes are looming over you? God can give you faith to stride through them without fear.
Prayer: Grant us O God the courage needed to face every day with its challenges as we trust You to lead us through the shadow-laden valleys.
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