Do you remember when you were a kid and you discovered your shadow in the sun? It was exciting to see your shadow on the ground as you were playing. Every time you moved, your shadow moved with you. It was funny because no matter where you went it followed you.

Life has a way of presenting itself to us in a shadow that always seems to follows us. As we travel the paths of life we have many experiences that shape our lives that are ever changing. Good or bad, they can affect us in many different ways. When we are kids we have an innocence about us along with an overwhelming sense of curiosity. I remember when I was a kid I would leave my house on my bike early in the day and not come home til dark. I had a lot of friends in our neighborhood and we would set out everyday on an adventure; riding through the woods, exploring and discovering odd and new things along the way. It was great being a kid. But this can be different for many. Our stories vary from one person to the another. Not all experience innocence or the thrill of discovery through a child’s eyes. We all have different chapters in our lives and some we may want to forget. And as they play out, sometimes, shame can be a main character in chapters in our lives. But Jesus came to set the captives free and to heal the brokenhearted. 

One of my favorite scriptures in all the bible is Psalms 23. The Lord reminds me of this scripture often because it delivers me such encouragement. It’s His promise to me and it covers any scenario in my story and believe it or not, yours as well. This is called “The Lord’s Prayer or The Shepherd’s Prayer.” Verse 23:4 states, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” This is very descriptive. One can almost see it playing out in your head. Here again, we see the shadow appearing before us; reflecting itself as a connection to us. But the key word here, if we look closely, is “through”. God is telling us He will not leave us in the valley with the shadow of death. But sometimes we have to walk it. But God is telling us that we are never alone. And He will lead us through the valley. The shadow represents many things to each of us. It can mean loss, fear, abandonment, maybe even shame or guilt. But when you read the entirety of Psalms 23 you see the promises of God coming through as a gift; a promise, that He knows it all and will be your guide, your provider, your hope and healing. In Christ, your shadow disappears into the light of His glory. Darkness can’t occupy the Light. And why? Simple! Because of His great love for us. 

When I think about my shadow now I see it in a different light. Not just because the sun reflects it but because The Son connects it to His glory. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him (Jesus) should not perish but have everlasting life..” God gave up His Son, Jesus, in the greatest act of love the world could ever receive. Jesus came to forgive us of our sins and redeem us to the right standing with God. God sees us through the eyes of His Son. Jesus became sin so we could become His righteousness. That is love. So we no longer walk in the shadows, but in the glorious light of our Redeemer. It is all about God’s love for us; His creation. We no longer have to walk in death’s valley, but in the very presence of The Light which is Jesus. He can lead you out of the valley of the shadow of death if you will let Him. Through the valley to the mountain top where peace and hope abounds; where you will find love; His love.