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Thoughts for a Woman's Heart |
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encouragement in things that matter |
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God in the Shadows
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As night descends, lengthening shadows can seem dark and foreboding. Walking alone, we quicken our step, and avoid those places where the shadows seem capable of hiding some unknown danger. We are much bolder and carefree, when we walk with a friend, even though the shadows persist all around us. As we walk through life, shadows can menacingly fall across our path as well. As much as we would like a friend to accompany us, sometimes we feel very alone, and the shadows seem darker than ever. Chilled by the foreboding sense of danger, we cry out, "Where is God?" Esther was the young Jewish girl chosen by King Ahasuerus to be his queen. The biblical book that is called by her name, tells a story of prejudice and self-exaltation that threatens the Jewish nation. Although God’s name is never mentioned in the book, He is actively at work in the shadows of hatred and malice to protect and preserve His people. Asaph felt alone and disturbed as he saw the prosperity of the wicked around him. In the shadows of their arrogant mockery, Asaph ultimately takes a long look at the God who had been quietly standing and waiting in the shadows all along, and his perspective is changed. My spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart. Long before Asaph, it’s interesting to watch the events of Joseph’s life begin to unfold. Those who should have loved Joseph, abused him, and God seems very absent. The word "meanwhile" caught my attention as the story was told, and what I realized was that in the lengthening shadows of betrayal, God was at work, unfolding His plan, unknown and unseen. The shadows are threatening. They distort our perspective and darken our hopes and dreams, and the sense of aloneness can be terrifying. Daughter of God, be encouraged. Circumstances can scream lies at us, but God is present, even in the shadows. He may be silent for a season, but He promises His presence. There is "a good" too that is promised, whether now or in eternity, that God is actively at work to accomplish. Esther, Asaph, and Joseph – they all saw the sunshine dispel the shadows. Your story is different, but your God is the same. Believe His presence and trust His heart. Whether now or in eternity, the sun will shine. |
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— Bev |
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