One who lives in the shelter of the Most High will stay in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” —Psalm 91:1-2 EHV

“Stay in the shadow!” the instructor warned. “Otherwise, you won’t see the colors correctly.” I turned and listened, then carefully lifted my small easel and moved it to the nearby shade.

It was a minor adjustment, moving from the bright sunlight to the shadow of a large oak tree, but it made a big difference. Not only could I judge the colors and values better, but I was also a lot cooler! This lesson about shadow and light and the ability to “see” and interpret more accurately when you set up under the cover (of a tree, an umbrella, a building), impacted me greatly. I realized that this is also what we need to do spiritually to experience security and peace: abide under God’s shadow.

You may already know this, but artists are particularly fascinated with light and shadow. The darkest darks and lightest lights (contrasts) make a painting pop. The ability to detect slight variations can make a significant difference in the rendering, especially regarding realism. For example, if everything were the same value, the painting would lack depth, and no one would “believe” the interpretation. Creating a believable picture requires light and dark, as well as some medium values.

Similarly, God’s Word references light and dark to represent the truth of the Kingdom of God. In John 8, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (vs. 12b NIV). This is not just a metaphor; it is a call to live in truth and righteousness. How vivid is that! Another example is the verse above from Psalm 91, which describes the image of God’s shadow or covering over us. Ironically, when we are under His covering, we are walking in the light!

The difference between a masterful painting with its illusion of light and shadow and God’s Word is simple: the Bible is real, perfect, and alive! It is our guide and our protection. Although a painting may evoke emotion, “… the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 NIV). So when God’s Word says, “One who lives in the shelter of the Most High will stay in the shadow of the Almighty,” it means that we are spiritually in a place where we can discern and interpret things correctly. We are under His covering, protected from false doctrine, the influences of the news, and our own wrong thinking. He is with us even in times of suffering or persecution. We are refreshed and at peace in the shadow because we trust the One who is our refuge and fortress. When we read His Word, we can discern it because of our position in Christ, close to Him and sensitive to His leading.

The Bible even tells us that Jesus is “The Word”: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”  (John 1:1 NIV). When we sit with this marvelous book and spend time with Jesus, we are “covered by the shadow of His wing.” We are not the highlights of the painting but the shadows. Jesus is the Light of the World. We walk with and in the light, yet Jesus, who is Light, covers us. Then, when we are “in the world,” what “pops” is Jesus!

Oh, that I could come to the end of myself where every thought, action, and word is filtered through that truth—Jesus is the glorious King, shining like the sun, and I am in His shadow, protected, safe, secure, loved.

Abba, thank You for Your spiritual covering. Your shelter is like no other. Living in the shadow of Your wing is all I want. You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and
in peace in believing, that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13 NJKV).

Marlene McKenna

Sweet Selah Ministries 

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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