June 4, 2024
The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night.
Psalm 121:5-6
Exposure to the sun or heat for an extended period can be damaging, suppressing your immune system and making you easily susceptible to health issues. Quality shade and protective clothing are great ways to be safe in the sun. As believers we have God as our shade, shielding us from the scorching heat and ensuring that we are always protected and safe. The Bible references God as our shade and shelter in Isaiah 43:2; "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
The Lord is a Shade that covers us like a protective armour, so when we walk through fire, we are not burned, and the heat does not hurt us. He meets us where we are and shields us all around. Remember that no matter what you go through, God is always with you, He will always protect you and be your shade (Psalm 62:5-6: "Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will not be shaken). We do not need to be afraid whether we are facing the glaring sun of the day or the subtle unsuspecting challenges at night. He reassures us that He is always with us.
Recognizing God as our shade means total trust and dependence on Him, with the assurance that no matter what we face, His comfort and protection are with us. Embracing God as our shade involves making it a habit to spend time soaking in His presence through prayer, fasting, studying His word and fellowshipping with other believers to refresh and equip us to face life's challenges (Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 10:24-25). We cannot neglect any of these disciplines, as they all help us stay grounded in our faith and remind us of God’s presence through the support of others.
Having God as our shade also means, that we set aside time to rest in God’s presence, through worship, thanksgiving, and quiet reflection on past experiences and moments when God has shown His faithfulness and kept His promises. Resting in God’s presence is like spending time in the cool shade on a very hot day (Matthew 6:6 – But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you). Just like you would seek shade on a hot day, you must also remember to pause and reflect on God’s promises and His presence with you throughout your day.
The same way we look for and seek shade during a very hot day to escape the sun's intensity, is the same we must seek God to escape life's pressures and find true rest. Experiencing the fullness of God’s shade and protection is possible. May we always find our rest in Him. Amen.
Song of Worship
Oh the Lord is thy keeper the Lord is thy shade Upon thy right hand, upon thy right hand No the sun shall not smite thee by day, Nor the moon by night He shall preserve thy soul, even forevermore My help, my help, my help, All of my help cometh from the Lord
Song: My Help Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
Prayer - Father we declare that You are our refuge and our shade. When we face the heat of trials, we know that You will keep us safe and secure, for You are our protector. Thank You for being our shade at our right hand, and always ready to shield us from harm in the name of Jesus. Help us to walk in this confidence today and always. In Jesus name we pray. So, it is, and it shall be in Jesus' mighty name we pray.
Bible in 1 year: 2 Chronicles 21-22; John 14