 Shadows are dark shapes that appear on a surface when someone or something moves between the surface and a source of light.
You are the surface. Your situation is the obstruction. God is the light. Behold, there’s a shadow. But you’re made to live in light. Not darkness. You’re made to walk in sunshine. Not shadows. It’s an exception, I know, to the “re—” rhythm. But certainly not to life.
If you desire to come closer to God, rest is unavoidable. It puts a fresh spin on the imagination. It creates a wider perspective. Rest. Rest ensures ample opportunities. Collect your thoughts. Enjoy nature. Drink some coffee. Find the energy required to continue. But most importantly, rest is a taxi to the presence of God. Jesus often rests throughout scripture. Take a look. “Early the next morning Jesus went out to an isolated place…” (Luke 4:42). “But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer” (Luke 5:16). “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Chances are, you’ve seen this verse a thousand times. So have I. But over the past couple of days, I’ve seen it with a different perspective. You see, almost every time I hear this verse, it’s the translation that reads “plans” instead of “thoughts.” There’s nothing wrong with either one, but the word “thoughts” has hit me recently. As I’ve written devotionals and blogs, I’ve learned to disregard irony. There are times in my life when I hear God speak to my heart. Sometimes, however, it takes a second voicing of the same subject to let me know—“Hey, this is it!” Such is the case of this devotional.
First of all, if God tells you to take your hands off the wheel while you’re driving, you may want to question what he’s talking about! The wheel I want to talk to you about is the steering wheel of our lives. You see, each of us has a guide leading the direction of our footsteps and life. It may be you. It may be God. Or, then again, MAYBE ITS YOU! Pick Up the Sling Shot, Grab a Stone, and Trust God
I would say imagine, but I don’t think that’s necessary. Looking into your own life, you will surely see it. The giant is large, mean, and negative. For the past forty days or so, this nine-foot tall individual has been nagging at you. He has been reminding you of your weaknesses, insulting your identity, making you doubt your faith, and declaring your inability to overcome. This is the giant—rather, the Philistine, David saw on his journey of taking gifts to his brothers at war. David didn’t see Goliath as a giant in comparison with his God. This devotional has the purpose of encouraging you to see your giants the same way. |