11/10/2023
Shadowlands or wilderness experience
There are times in our lives when we walk in Shadowlands. Times when we feel vulnerable and alone. Times when justice, fairness, and rightness, seem corrupt. Days when we feel rejected by God just when we need Him the most. When shadows of darkness, mourning, and oppression press against our soul. These are the Shadowlands. Dark times where we stumble about like a drunken sailor that has lost their eyeglasses. Some folks arrive at the Shadowlands without knowing why or how they got there. But most know well the door they entered by choice or by force of circumstance. Many are the keys that open the door to the Shadowlands. Keys that take the shapes of grief, loss, rejection, being bullied, invaded, robbed, fear, sin, doubt, unbelief, failure, and addiction.
Psalms 43:1-2 To enumerate the many ways that folks attempt to escape from the Shadowlands would be folly. Instead, let’s follow the Psalmist. Initially, his focus is outward if these enemies of my soul were removed everything would be right again. In the next few verses, the Psalmist turns his focus heavenward, not in blame, or manipulation, but with a simple but powerful request. “O send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy hill And to Your dwelling places.” (Psalm 43:3, NASB95) Instead of seeking vindication, instead of blaming others he turns to God and asks for His light and His truth to lead him out of the Shadowlands. Psalms 43:5
There will still be times of despair when we have to command our heart to hope in God even when we don’t feel like it. Choosing to turn our feelings and thoughts and worries from the darkness and to the light and the truth found only in Jesus Christ. Looking forward to that day when our whole being will soar unfettered with worship and praise before the throne of God. No longer stumbling about in the darkness but running into the arms of our loving God in bright and glorious light.
God never fails.