Safe in the Shadow of the Almighty.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

Today is Groundhog Day.  The legend says that if it is cloudy when the groundhog emerges from its burrow today in Punxsutawney, PA, then spring will arrive early. If it is sunny, the groundhog will supposedly see its shadow and retreat back into its den, and winter will persist for six more weeks. I don’t know how accurate the groundhog is in most of the country, but in Colorado we usually have at least six more weeks of winter no matter the outcome of the Groundhog Day tradition.

We are familiar with our shadow and the way it changes depending on how much the sun is shining and the direction of sunlight. Shadows are much longer in the early morning and evening as the sun rises and sets, and short and barely noticeable at noon when the sun is highest in the sky. Scripture says our lives are like shadows—fleeting and fading—without much hope, like six more weeks of winter. But God casts a protective, loving shadow over us. When King David was surrounded by his enemies he prayed this in one of his Psalms—

“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by.”
Psalm 57:1 New Living Translation

If we trust God and take refuge in Him, no earthly shadow will doom us to a long and harsh winter alone. We can be safe in His shadow.

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Psalm 91:1 New Living Translation

“How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings.”
Psalm 36:7 New Living Translation

Whether or not the groundhog sees his shadow today, we know we have a God who loves us and protects us in the spring and winter of our lives.

Copyright text and photo Desiree Bustamante