I see shadows sometimes.
I don’t mean the shadows on the wall, but, they feel just as menacing and just as scary.
I see the shadows of my past mistakes.
I see the shadows of my flaws.
I see the shadows of my sin.
I see shadows sometimes.
Just like shadows, they tend to show up in the bright moments of life—during the beautiful and sweet moments of life.
When I’m with dear friends in the middle of a celebration and filled with happiness, the shadow creeps in as the thought that I don’t deserve their love.
When I’m serving or preaching, I see creeping into my view the shadows of my own unworthiness and failings.
I see shadows sometimes.
I’ve learned that many people see shadows and are haunted by their past, and sometimes, even their present failings. So many people I encounter are haunted by the shadows of their mistakes, the shadows of their failings, and the shadows of their inadequacies and flaws. Before long, they begin to believe the shadows are real—they begin to believe that everyone else sees the same things they see in themselves. So, they hide. They fall deeper into the shadows, all the while saying, “Everything is fine. I’m good. Thanks for asking.” Living in constant fear that people will see the “truth” of what and who they really are... because the shadows seem so real.
I’ve always loved the way God inspired the Biblical authors in the words and symbols they use to describe who He is: Lord, Father, All-Mighty, Prince of Peace, The Great “I AM”. Each word gives us a small piece of a puzzle that shows us a glimpse of the majesty, power, and character of our God. There’s also another name given to God that is so fitting: “the Father of lights”. James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
That statement, “... who does not change like shifting shadows ...”; how beautiful and fitting. God knows there will be times that we will be tempted to believe the “shifting shadows”. Whether they are the shadows of our changing culture that so often opposes the way of God, whether it’s shadows cast by people who will lie and hurt us, or whether it’s the shadows of our doubts, fears, and failings—God knows the shadows will come and so reminds us that He is ALWAYS there to bring the “light”, drive away the shadows, and show the TRUTH.
What is the Truth? Maybe you (like me) have made big mistakes and sinned in ways that can overwhelm you with shame... but God says that does not define us and instead, through Christ, He will “never again remember” our sins (Hebrews 8:12). Maybe you feel unloveable... but God says He loves us “with a love that surpasses all knowledge” (Ephesians 3:19). Maybe you feel unequipped to do what God has asked you to do... but God says He will equip you with more than you need to do what He has asked (Hebrews 13:21).
The Father of lights ALWAYS drives away the shadows when we focus on Him.
I see shadows sometimes.
Maybe you see shadows too.
I pray we remember that just like the sunrise drives away the night, our Father can and will always drive away the “shadows”.
Why? Because He is our good, good Father.
The “Father of lights” in a world filled with shadows.