Shadows

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

Psalm 23 is perhaps one of the most quoted, known, and cherished sections of Scripture. There is such truth and comfort found within those six short verses. I could read through this chapter again and again and never grow tired of the peace it provides to my soul. Today was just one of those days that I needed the reminder of God’s constant presence and His steadfast comfort that verse 4 assures us of. Anyone else in need of such a reminder today?

It’s not an uncommon occurrence to find me singing worship songs at the top of my lungs in my car, driving down the road without a care to who might see me and think that I look flat out crazy. I’m not, however, boasting of my ability to sing well, just the freedom I find in worshiping the Lord in my own little form of solitude. I pulled up a favorite worship album on my iPod and began singing away. A few songs in, these words poured through the speakers and flooded my heart.

“Shadows” by David Crowder Band
Life is full of light and shadow
O the joy and O the sorrow
O the sorrow

And yet will He bring
Dark to light
And yet will He bring
Day from night

When shadows fall on us
We will not fear
We will remember

When darkness falls on us
We will not fear
We will remember

When all seems lost
When we’re thrown and we’re tossed
We’ll remember the cost
We’re resting in the
Shadow of the cross

As I let the truth of the words of this song fill my heart, I was reminded of the sweet promise found in Psalm 23:4. Shadows will fall on us, and we will walk through the valley, but in those moments we must remember in whom we find our rest. Jesus Christ defeated death on the cross, and it is in the shadow of the cross that we find our hope and security. Aren’t you so thankful that we live on this side of the cross? Any shadow lands that we have to walk through come with the promise of God’s presence and His comfort, every step of the way.