In the Shadow
The shadows on the earth are the longest in the winter. When the earth experiences the hardships that come with winter—those barren, bitter cold days—she can lift her head and look out upon the land and see that the shadows are grand.
Likewise, in my lonely, barren days and bitter cold trials, I can lift my head and look out upon my Savior, Jesus and see the shadow of His love spreading long over me. It is a beautiful truth to remember and one that, I must confess, I sometimes forget. But God is merciful and gracious, using His creation to gently lift my chin and gaze at the truth in His Word.
At Evergreen Bend Farm, we have a herd of Dexter Cows. Chris loves these cows, and his call of “Here cows, come on cows” makes me smile. Every. Single. Time. Free-ranging all over the pasture, they can often be found in the shadows under the row of cedar trees. Typically, the cows are pretty low-key, easygoing, and drama-free. This past week, though, has been full of change to the herd. I noticed it because this past summer has been full of change for me, too. It seems we are walking along in similar pastures.
This past week, the cows lost one of their own, River, to illness. Grief began to grow.
This past summer, Chris and I married our firstborn son, our second began seriously dating, our third went off to college, our fourth can drive himself, and our fifth has become a typical “I got this” 14-year-old who pretends he doesn’t need a hug anymore. Sorrow settled in.
This past week, one of our mamas gave birth to a calf. Happiness at its highest is watching those wobbly little legs stand up.
This past summer, after all the parenting years in an all-boy house, I received a new daughter! There is real joy in this part of the journey!
For both the herd and I, emotions are all over the place, swinging from grief to happiness, from sorrow to joy. The days are more barren than they once were. Even when the sun shines on your back, they can be lonely and bitterly cold. But the shadows are still grand.
One morning this week as I checked on the herd, I noticed the Lord’s call and wisdom in the behavior of the baby calf. “Come and take refuge in my shade,” mama said. Wherever mama went, the calf went too. Close to mama, this calf found the nourishment, safety, and love that she needs. When harsh sun comes, if she abides in the shadow, there is nothing to fear. If a predator creeps towards her, she will be protected. If she remains close to the one who created her, she will not be alone or lose her way. Everything she needs is within the shadow of her mama.
Everything I need is within the shadow of my God. “This God”—our God, Your God!—“His way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him” (Psalm 18:30). He is the shadow that we run to, the shade that we seek. And, in the winter seasons, hard, long trials, His shadow is the longest. He is always present, always calling us to come and take refuge in His shade.
The words of Psalm 91 remind me of this. As I slowly read His promises and truth, my eyes begin to lift to the heavens, where my help comes from.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” (verse 1-4)
“Because he” (that is you, and that is me!) “holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (verses 14-16)
In response to this shadow of shade, with thanksgiving and our eyes on Him, we can pray the same prayer that David prayed in Psalm 36 for our sisters in Christ. “How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! Just like the calf, we take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. We feast on the abundance of Your house, and You give us drink from the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light do we see light. Oh, continue Your steadfast love to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright of heart!” (adapted from Psalm 36:7-10)
And so, though I forget often, I am so thankful that in the winter, the shadows are the longest. In the hard times, the Lord is ever-present and surrounds me with his banner of love. In these times, I NEED to remember. It is GOOD to remember the last time the trial was long and the winds of bitterness and grief blew upon me, it was “with great delight I sat in his shadow, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.” Song of Solomon 2:3-4
This is our God. He is love.
💕 Meghan