The Power of the Shadow
February 2012

By now most of you know that February 2 is called “Ground Hog Day,” that one day in which a large rat emerges from his place of slumber to predict the weather: if it sees its own shadow, it runs back to bed for another six-week nap. If on the other hand the day is overcast or for some odd reason does not see its own shadow, then the weather will moderate! People who study this kind of thing (you can seriously make money from this stuff) say that critters like Punxsutawney Phil are accurate 37-39% of the time, or roughly one-third. Just an aside, that doesn’t seem too different from the weather people who stand in front of a big US map and explicate meteorological details which miss the mark at the same rate…just saying.

The whole shadow thing got me thinking about a much larger shadow. This shadow doesn’t make us run for cover of the nap-zone, but instead brings a safety and vitality to life that nothing else can. I am referring to the “the shadow of the Almighty.” Allow me to expound for just a moment: This ancient song was written to remember the safe place in times of evil, namely, in the presence of God. There is a better than average chance (better than Phil’s feeble predictions) that you and I will encounter less than ideal circumstances and events that challenge the course of our lives—health, finances, relationships, family, dreams, goals, ambitions. Where we go in these intense moments speaks volumes concerning the reality of the living God in our lives.

Now, first notice the usage of God’s magnificent names:

These were used to solicit a growing and undaunted confidence in the sufficiency of God to handle each and every situation that life can throw at us. They communicate power, majesty, and control.

Next, notice that it is under His shadow that we are to dwell. This was a well-understood term for the ancients signifying the place of protection. Synonyms in the psalm include shelter, refuge, and fortress. He alone is the safe place in our lives; when all is pressing in around us there is one we can embrace to find and experience security and grace. It is a call for our complete trust in his provision for our lives.

So where do you run? Where do you find shelter? Where is your safe place? When you see the events of rodents predicting the weather, remember the one whose shadow is the best place to be!

Hope you see the shadow,
Pastor Dewayne