CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 722

“Light in the Shadow”

Psalm 36:7 (ESV) How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings … in your light do we see light.

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For many people the Christmas Season is a sad time. The month of December has the distinction of being the leading month for depression issues and our current national economic crisis has only exacerbated the issue. A recent USA Today article states of the US Postal Service that “Santa Claus and his elves are seeing more heartbreaking letters this year as children cite their parents’ economic troubles in their wish lists.”

Perhaps your circumstances have changed for the worse this past year through the loss of a loved one or perhaps through the loss of a job or foreclosure on your home. While everyone is singing “Joy to the World”, you feel like you are under a shadow of gloom and as a child of God, you wonder why He is treating you so poorly.

Consider the possibility that the shadow you are under is the Lord’s shadow of protection. It may not feel like it. It may not be comfortable, but it very well may be His providential protection and part of His plan for you.

Joseph was under the Lord’s shadow of protection when he was in the house of his father and he remained under the Lord’s shadow of protection throughout his ordeal in the pit, a slave in Potiphar’s house, unjustly imprisoned in jail, and ultimately second in command in Pharaoh’s service.

…for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. – Psalm 63:7

Paul had some serious ‘shadowy’ moments himself having been beaten, stoned, and imprisoned yet he writes in his letter to the Philippians that he has learned to be content in whatever situation he is in.

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – Phil 4:11-13

Like Paul and Joseph, we will have seasons of abundance where all is bright and sunny. We will also have shadowy times that seem perilous and gloomy. It is during these times that we need to look for the light of Christ in the shadow. This is a time to trust in His Word for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

This Christmas season reflect on the prophecy of Jesus’ birth from Isaiah 7:14 that His name shall be Immanuel, which means God with us. No matter your circumstance – no matter the shadow that surrounds you, Immanuel, God is with you.

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.” – Psalm 91:1

Even in the shadow, His light guides and provides. Merry Christmas.

Close in prayer, thanksgiving & rededication of your work to the glory of God