Psalm 121:5-8 (NIV)
The Lord watches over you—the Lord is our shade at your right hand; The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm— He will watch over your life; The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now & forevermore.
The past couple of weeks have been harshly, brutally HOT! The humidity is elevated which only amplifies the temperature! Air Conditioners are working overtime and thank God Almighty for them! (I truly am THANKFUL!)
Recently I met someone for lunch. As usual when it is this kind of weather, I looked desperately for shade under which to park. Thankfully there was one spot in the back section of the parking lot, well worth the steps to ensure a slightly more bearable atmosphere in the car upon my return.
As I got out of the car, I was reminded of the marked difference in temperature under the shade tree as opposed to full sun. Full sun was stifling! I further thought of the “shade” God has provided me and others along this spiritual journey. Shade in the form of a loving kind word on a wearisome, frenetic and spazzed out day. Shade extended by strong arms that ran to our assistance as we took on an excruciating task impossible to manage alone. Shade exhibited by sensitive and supportive friends during the loss of a loved one; extended arms to shade a worn and weary heart when the burdens of life were difficult to bear alone. God’s shade, displayed through followers of Christ at the crucial moment we needed it the most.
As I further pondered this God given metaphor, I realized Satan offers false shade; shade that promises us relief from the anxieties, misfortunes and afflictions of life. Yet his substitutes are temporary fixes that render us more bound and downtrodden in the desperateness of our situation. These substitutes may include but are not limited to: alcoholism, drugs, sexual misconduct, obesity, bitterness, negativity, and the like. On the other hand, God’s shade doesn’t take away the heat but makes it bearable. However, we must choose the shade!
Choose to run to God’s shade for protection, revitalization, renewal and strength. His shade is best experienced through the reading of the Word, corporate worship, studying and meditating on spiritual truths with friends… and walking in faith.
Isaiah spoke of the coming Messiah in this way.
Isaiah 25:4
“You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat”
Run to the SHADE!
KEITH