by Carel Chan
The sun was scorching hot as I walked to the train station which is more than a kilometre away from where I live. Perspiration was trickling down my forehead and drenching my clothes. And as I walked, I lined myself under the shadows of trees, houses, and literally whatever I could find to avoid the fierce heat of the sun. It was great relief each time I walked in a shadow. My body cooled down almost instantaneously and the heat subsided. I was comfortable again.
In a hot day, we find comfort and solace hiding in shadows. It is especially so when we are battling with the heat and parching seasons of life. As the heat continues to rise, our energy continues to deplete. Physically, our body is totally drained of strength. Mentally, we are completely disillusioned and emotionally, exhausted. Our longing to find shade grows immensely with each passing second. Perhaps this is how some of you are feeling now.
Psalm 91:1 gives us a glimpse of hope from the scorching events of life, “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” The moment we walk right into His Shadow, the Shadow of the Almighty, we find rest. In the Shadow of the Almighty, there is refreshing, and we can cease to strive.
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Psalm 91:1
For the Lord Almighty is our El Shaddai, He is “All Bountiful’ and ‘All Sufficient’. Revelation 1:8 says, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come – the Almighty One.” The Almighty is the beginning and the end, and He holds all the in-betweens. What we lack and need to handle life situations, He holds them all.
The point is, are we willing to dwell in His secret place, pledging our devotion, our worship and surrendering our situations to Him? Our Lord has the power and ability to protect and preserve those who will live in His secret place and this He has promised through His Word.
Today, are you longing for the comfort of shadows? Finding solace in the shadows of objects is only temporal relief. True rest can only be found in the shadow of the Almighty – in His dwelling place.