“Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings” (Psalm 63:7).
When the shadows fall our fears rise. Each of us must admit that there are enigmatic moments in life when we feel trapped by an enveloping darkness of unknown origins. Yet, we will one day we will learn that in those times the painful darkness was a mysterious gift that protected us from greater harm.
I have known those who have such faith. They are the ones who sing praises through the pain. They are “like them that dream” (Psalm 126:1). They are the happy fools who believe that “God is great” and “God is good.” These are the believers who sing doxologies in the darkness.
Lord, whose great gift of salvation was cloaked in the darkness of Calvary’s cross, give me faith to trust You in the shadows of my life, and to even believe those shadows are, miraculously, Your loving wings. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
My thoughts are different regarding darkness simply because of Christ, and if we are in Him and He’s in us, darkness becomes light. Psalm 23:4, ” Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and staff they comfort me.” A shadow is “a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and surface.” I am a perpetual optimist concerning God because there would not be a shadow, if there was no light. Even in the safety of His wings, I focus on His protection not the potential darkness found under His wing.
Patricia, I think we may be saying the same thing. Thank you.
I’m sorry I didn’t get to this sooner, but I love the image of believers singing doxologies in darkness! Such a great turn of phrase. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve sung salvation’s songs through tears and arrived at the final “Amen!” with a joyful resolve. Thank you for the reminder that I am under the protection of His pinions (Ps. 91:4), especially when the darkness comes.