Imagine a happy little girl with dark curly hair following a tall, gangly man around the family farm. He wore a pair of baggy overalls and had a cigar resting in the corner of his mouth. Her footsteps followed right in his shadow. An image fit for a painting, if I had the talent.

The little girl was my mom, and the tall, gangly man was her dad. She told me how, as a child, she was his little shadow. She stood beside him when he fed the horses and did the same. If he checked fences, she followed so closely that she kept right within his shadow. She stood close by when he drew water from the well with a bucket. She loved her daddy and admired what he did in the world so much she wanted to be like him.  

The greatest compliment we can give someone we love is to replicate what they do. We follow their example in some way of living life, whether it’s cooking, farming, or praying. If we’ve had the opportunity to learn from a parent or grandparent some unique way to do something well, we’ve received a gift.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

~Psalm 91:1-2 NIV

The greatest gift we can give those we love is to share Jesus with them. Whether by speaking and sharing our experiences with God or showing them by our example.

Those who dwell in the shelter of Jesus Christ will find rest in the shadow of Almighty God. He is where we find rest. He’s our protector day and night. We dwell by following closely, doing what He does, and being in a relationship with Him. This is the only place to find rest with God. Jesus did all the work, and we follow. The key is to follow so closely we’re in His shadow.

Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

~Psalm 91:3-4 NIV

Christ is the place of safety we seek. We’re drawn even closer when we dwell in His shadow. There’s no better place for us than tucked and covered in His protection. We’re within the shadow of the One who loves us the most.

Like a child who earns the nickname Little Shadow by following her dad around the farm because she loves him so much, we also dwell closely with God out of our deep love. Jesus is faithful in protecting and keeping us in His shadow of safety.

Leave a shadow in which others would do well to walk.

Heavenly Father, thank You for how faithful You are to me and for your protection and safety. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2024: In His Shadow: Melinda Cooper: All Rights Reserved