Thomas is one and a fledgling walker. His mom insists that he hold her hand for safety in parking lots and on sidewalks, but he is free to roam inside his playroom or fenced yard. Sometimes he still chooses to hold her hand if the ground is particularly uneven or he’s in unfamiliar territory. I remind her that a day is coming when he will lose that timidity and run headlong wherever he pleases, but for now, she enjoys his little hand clutching hers voluntarily, and so do I.
We took the dogs outside this week and I captured the most precious memory on video. Our shadows stretched out in front of us as we crossed the yard. His toddling gait held my attention as we moved together. Sometimes his tiny shadow was engulfed by mine and other times we were separated by some distance, yet still we were tethered, hand in hand.
The Holy Spirit used this moment to remind me just how present God is with me, but not just with me, in every moment. Immanuel, God with us, is omnipresent. (Matthew 1:23) He is equally present in every place and every time for all of eternity. There is no past, present, or future with the One who is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End. (Revelation 22:13)
Knowing and practicing this truth, connecting my head with my heart, has been a constant battle this week. When I feel divided, torn in multiple directions at once by care or obligation, knowing God’s constant presence is key to experiencing His peace that surpasses all understanding. (Philippians 4:7) God’s Spirit overshadows me with the same life-giving power which rested on the virgin, Mary, the moment the Christ child was conceived. (Luke 1:35) He also overshadows every person for whom I care or share responsibility.
“I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him.
This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.”
Ephesians 1:19-20 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/eph.1.19-20.NLT
“For we live by believing and not by seeing.”
2 Corinthians 5:7 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/2co.5.7.NLT
When I face circumstances, storms, surprises, or suffering, I am never alone. I walk in the shadow of the Almighty. And if you, my friend, are in Christ- trusting in His finished work on the cross- then you can rest in the shelter He provides in any circumstance.
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Psalms 91:1 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.91.1.NLT
“Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!
I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
You satisfy me more than the richest feast.
I will praise you with songs of joy.
I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night.
Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.
I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.”
Psalms 63:3-8 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.63.3-8.NLT
“For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.””
Hebrews 13:5 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.13.5.NLT
As a daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother, I am often tempted to carry the weight of the world on my own shoulders. I feel responsible for the well-being and happiness of my family members, friends and neighbors, while seeking to serve and mentor the teenagers I teach and all who cross my path in the course of each week. Although my intentions are admirable, they are hugely unrealistic. Besides, the One who sustains me is more than sufficient to carry all who carry heavy loads.
“Then Jesus said,
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you.
Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.””
Matthew 11:28-30 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.11.28-30.NLT
So this week as you move about your daily routines, expect interruptions. When they come and you’re tempted to take charge or run screaming in the opposite direction, glance around for your shadow. Remember, believer, that we walk by faith and not by sight. (II Corinthians 5:7) You cannot lose your hold on the righteous right hand of your Heavenly Father because He holds you fast.
“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens.
He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”
James 1:17 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.1.17.NLT
““Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is.
You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.
My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.”
We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing.
We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it.
And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?
My only hope is in you.”
Psalms 39:4-7 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.39.4-7.NLT
“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalms 23:1-6 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.23.1-6.NLT
A Fitting Reply 
Beautiful message.
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