In The Shadow of the Cross

Our ladies discipleship class is going through Chuck Swindoll's book "Esther: A Woman of Strength & Dignity".  I've studied Esther a number of times but have still learned so much more from this study. One of concepts Swindoll brings out in our most recent chapter is that our lives are in the shadow of the cross. That idea kept coming back to me for days after reading it. I started thinking about shadows and what it would look like if I truly lived my life in an awareness of the shadow of the cross. I've been deeply touched by some of the things I think God has been showing me so I want to share them with you.

I first started thinking about a shadow: what is it and how is it formed. Shadows are formed when an object blocks a light source. You can't have shadows without a light source. As Christians, Jesus is our light source. One of His "I AM statements" is found in John 8:12 when Jesus said "I am the Light of the world." Because we are secure in Him, we do not walk in darkness but have Him to guide our path. We don't have to stumble through life, but have a clear path in which to walk.  Shadows also provide relief from the direct heat. When we are intentional about our walk with Him, paying close attention to stay in His shadow, we find relief from the heat and burdens of life. In Matthew 11:28 Jesus tells us to come to Him and He will give us rest. We can lay our burdens down in the shadow of the cross and trust that He will lighten our load. Whatever is weighing us down: anger, bitterness, illness, financial trouble, rebellious children,...whatever it is, we can leave it in the shadow of the cross. It may not go away but He will provide rest for us in the midst of it.

So what is weighing you down today? Do you have a child that is on a path that you know if not God's plan for his or her life? Do you have a job in which too much is demanded of your time and energy? Do you have a spouse that is cold and distant? Are you struggling to come to grips with an abusive past? Is there a life threatening illness lurking in your mind or body? Is your family on the verge of financial collapse? Whatever it is, give it to Jesus. Lay it down in the shadow of the cross. Enjoy the relief of laying down your burden. I'm going to make a concerted effort to daily live my life in the shadow of the cross.  Won't you join me?

Blessings,
Teresa