Thursday, April 10, 2008

Shadows and messages in them


I think it was on Maria's blog that I recently read that He will answer before we call. That means He knows how I will act and react. He knows what I will think. He knows what will frighten me--and exactly how He will respond.

And so He begins to set things in motion. He prepares events that trigger thoughts and the Holy Spirit whispers deep into our soul. And then some individual writes down what the Holy Spirit tells them. Thousands of years ago that happened and we ended up with the Bible.

I wish I knew when this next piece was written. God in His wisdom knew that the writer and the blogger would be faithful to pass His words on so that those words would not come back void.

A sweet blogger friend of mine passed this on to me last night I believe. Thank you Melanie Joy for being used by God. Love ya girl. This was originally posted on her blog. God brought us together and for that I am greatfull. For reasons that God knows it hit me right away and I found myself picturing what God was teaching me. After the devotional is the picture God gave me. Simple I know--but it spoke to my heart. And, that is a good thing. Here is what Melanie sent me.

'You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.'

Psalm 32:7

When you were a child, did you have a hiding place you would run to when you were afraid or wanted to be alone?

God wants to be your hiding place. And the good news is that you can retreat to this hiding place wherever you are. When you have a conflict at work and don't know what to say or how to deal with it, you can retreat into the secret place of the Most High as you are living in fellowship and communion with God. When you are tied up in bumper-to-bumper traffic, you can abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Have you ever tried to walk in someone's shadow? It can be done, but you really have to stay close. That is the picture given in Psalm 91:1, 'He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.' God says, 'I want you to dwell in Me. I want to be your hiding place. I want you to be so close that you are actually in My very shadow.'

This gives you courage to face life. The Old Testament tells the story of Elijah, who boldly stormed into the court of Ahab, the most wicked king that Israel had ever known. With incredible courage and boldness, he delivered bad news to Ahab and turned and walked out. Though he was in the court of a powerful monarch, Elijah recognized he was also in the presence of an even more powerful Monarch. He was dwelling in the secret place of the Most High.

Here is the mental picture God gave me and what I sent back to Melanie.

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Hmmmm......that was good.
So, if I am walking behind or I guess to the side of God-- I must never walk faster than or walk slower than God in order to stay in His shadow.
During times of fellowship I picture myself walking at His side looking up into His face as we walk and talk.
At times when the enemy is growing strong and brazen He places me close behind for protection. See me peaking out around His side? I am a little girl again.
Then during those time of training Daddy God puts me in front. His shadow surrounds me--it gives the illusion to satan that God is the only one coming. During training time I would imagine God might step back a pace or two to see if I notice that I am no longer walking in His shadow. Will I slow my pace or march headlong into the enemy camp all the time yapping at God--not even realizing that He has stopped with His hands on His hips. And then when I finally stop long enough to realize He has not answered my question---I might even get a little spurt of fear thinking that I am on my own. Back to God I run...better to wait for the battle until He knows you are ready and you face it together.
Time for some more side by side time as He patiently teaches me about Himself and His will for my life.

Did you enjoy your peak into the thing called Sharon's mind? ;)

12 comments:

Denise said...

Wow, so awesome sis.

Anonymous said...

It's good to see you blogging again. I am writing you from my own house. It's a house I never thought we'd live in. I figured we'd always be going around from job to job. Family and friends were were labelling us gypsies and nomads. My heart ached when I heard people moving into their houses. I was happy for them and sad for me. It only intensified the hurt, hopelessness and frustration in my heart. Yes, it CAN happen. God IS faithful and I know you know that. It's the waiting that gets to us, isn't it?

MelanieJoy said...

I love the way you think! When I think of myself being around Him I also picture myself as a child...little girl with long brown hair.
You know the comment I made about Ruth? When I read what you said here again...it hit me how we read things different in our own seasons. One season we are Ruth another season we are Naomi. That's a good balance when we are plugged into the body of Christ.
You really spoke to me in return about how we can be "around" Him and away from Him and not notice it. It is much like a child that is excited or not paying attention to where they are going. The big kid in me today wants to in His shadow. "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.". Psalm 91. Hey, promise me you will go and read all of Ps. 91!!
Love you my dear friend...

ThreeGirlyGirls said...

That is so awesome. I loved it!!

Halfmoon Girl said...

I like to think in pictures at times too. Thank you for giving me this encouragement and reminder this morning Sharon.

luvmy4sons said...

Beautiful word picture. It is so much deeper in symbolism if you look at it closely than at first glance. Good stuff! So glad you are finding peace in your trials. I am fervently praying for you. Thanks for your kind words of encouragement to me on my blog. I am in a battle. I will use this imagery myself! Thank you!

Technonana said...

WOW, I love it!!! God is the BEST teacher, parent and friend!! I love the fact that we can 'HIDE' in His shadow!!!

Anonymous said...

Ahhhhhh, so true! RYC: The fishing sounds so relaxing! Wish I could join you -- boy, we would TALK!!! ((( hugs ))) I'm still praying for you.

Hey, get your family to try the 'teapot' -- I've heard it's wonderful for avoiding allergies. D

Anonymous said...

Just read you're down FIVE -- yah! You go girl!!! You can do it! D

SunnySusan said...

Sweet Sharon

My fav PS is 91....I love to be sheltered in Him......hugs and prayers my friend....
Today was very trying...I am tired....so this weekend is going to be Him and me....wonderful.....

Lisa N Alexander said...

Great post Sharon...and Melanie!

Chocolate and Coffee said...

Aweswome post Sharon.

Blessings!