Let’s talk about the ever present SHADOW OF DOUBT that seems to loom over us in the form of SELF-DOUBT. If we’re literal about this idea that doubt is an actual shadow, what does this mean? Shadows distort the actual object. Look at the shadows of trees, yourself, cars, or anything! Shadows make the object longer, shorter, thinner, stumpy, unrecognizable and eerie. There is one common fact about all shadows: shadows only form when an object is turned away from light.I began to think about the difference between shadow and light; my mind immediately went to photography and the importance of shadows and lighting. Below is a picture I edited. One is the original lighting and the other I placed heavy shadows. When we live in the shadow we lose the details. The focus becomes narrow and we struggle to make anything of the picture. As soon as we remove the shadows we can see the details of the entire picture. What was not visible or evident, a complete mystery in the shadow, becomes evident and clear in the light!
I also think of walking down a dark alley. It is something horror movies are made of. However, during the light of day that exact same alley is not intimidating at all; we have no worries or doubts of our ability to safely journey that alley. So is the path that God has placed each and every one of us on…make the turning point and live in the Light of God so your days will be clear and not something to fear.
When we live our lives in the shadows we can’t see or understand what is happening or why. We struggle and strain to make sense of anything, but we fail and we feel defeated, anxious, depressed, and even distressed. In the shadow we lose our self-confidence, our faith is dwindled by the eerie shadows we have created by turning from the Light. If we can learn to make that turning point and turn toward the Light and live in the Light we will begin to see the true beauty and the details of our life that God has created uniquely for us so that we might glorify His Holy name!
There are countless scriptures where God declares Himself the Light. God lives within us and created us in His image, therefore we too are radiant lights! Learning to walk each day with God as your truth and your guiding light is a turning point. Learning to absorb His light and radiate His light through your own life…that is life changing!
Ephesians 3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in Him.
2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control.
John 8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Ephesians 5:8 For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.
Matthew 5:14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
1 John 1:5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
