Thoughts Along Life's Journey
It was sunny all day which made a long ride on the Interstate enjoyable. The views were beautiful as the landscape changed from flat lands and swamps, to mountains and rivers. From morning to evening we observed the works of nature giving hints of location and changing seasons.
Noon held the sun at its highest point but the afternoon hours sent the sun’s warmest rays. Then, almost without noticing, long shadows from tall trees lining the highways, stretched long, dark shards of darkness across the roads. Like icy fingers, the shadows choked out warmth and sent shivers across my skin.
For no apparent reason, an uneasiness crept over me. It was momentary but I didn’t like it. Questions I didn’t want in my mind sprang forward; questions like, are we going the right way? Is the traffic getting too much to handle? The GPS was operating. Nothing had gone wrong all day. There was no logical reason to suddenly doubt our direction. Traffic had been thick along every turn but nothing had gone amiss there either. I concluded that all was well in spite of dark shadows smothering out the sun’s warmth and trucks filling the lanes as far as one could see. Our journey took us to our intended destination and all is well. I drove through the shadows, enjoying the touches of sun that still peeked through branches before evening would send it away for the night.
Thoughts came to me that dark shadows and warm sunlight are pictures of what happens in our spiritual world. There we are basking in the light of God’s love, truth, peace, and joy. Then, with no warning, dark shadows of doubt casts depressing thoughts into our minds. Troubling questions may tumble about, upsetting peace and fading away joy. Lies that we are not really loved, that we are not as good as others around us, that our dreams are too far to reach, shatters happiness. Hope is choked away.
It can happen ever so quickly, because in an instant, the lies of the enemy Satan can be shot from darkness, casting ugly shadows across what we know to be truth, sending us into a swirl of confusion. The warmth of peace fades.
Satan works hard to steal our peace. He is a thief. He lies to us. He is the father of lies. He will always lie. He will forever seek to cast shadows of fear. This behaviour of his will never change, but there is good news. Something else will never change either: the truth of The Son will always shine its light, dissipating the dark shadows of Satan’s lies.
When shadows appear, look for the Light. Call for the Light. Walk in the Light. When Light comes, darkness must flee.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Thank-you Vickie, another reminder of how to keep walking in the light…and using my baptismal verse of over 50 years ago which only yesterday the Lord dropped into my mind!! Chrystabell