Shadow Puppets

My eyes are swollen with weeping,
and I am but a shadow of my former self. – Job 17:7

When my children were small, we used to lay in bed at nap-time and play with flashlights. We would have puppet theater on the wall and we always ended up in fits of giggles over the shapes our hands could become. My hand could be a fierce alligator, or the big-bad-wolf, or a flying dragon.

photo credit: april-mo via photopin cc

photo credit: april-mo via photopin cc

But that was only the shadow. My children were never afraid, because they knew this was only a shadow, and when the flashlight was put away, the dragon was only a hand. Mommy’s hand. No teeth, no claws, nothing fierce at all.

Sometimes the fears I face are like that. Questions seem so large and looming and terrifying. Doubts have horrible teeth and they are hunting me. Pain is so close, I can smell the fetid breath.

The devil is wicked-talented with a flashlight.

When I take my questions to God, I can more clearly see that the size has been exaggerated. By replacing my doubts with His truth, those snapping jaws begin to more closely resemble bent fingers. When I surrender my pain and ask for comfort for the Lord, I recognize that I have nothing to fear. Not really.

So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens.He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. – James 1:16-17

He never casts a shifting shadow. I need to keep my eyes on Him.

 

Father in Heaven, keep not only my eyes, but my heart and my spirit, focused only on You. Thank you for Your truth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…


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May God Bless You,

Shelly

8 Comments on “Shadow Puppets

    • So nice to meet you, Beckey! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Hope your day is blessed! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3

  1. So true! Many of the things we stress about are mere shadows of fear. So thankful for God …keeping my eyes on him! Yes…keeping my eyes on him! Thank you my dear friend. <Cathy
    Cathy recently posted…Un-Stoppable!My Profile

  2. praying for you dear Shelly- hope your new symptoms have eased somewhat but know you have mountains that need to be removed…sending you a BIG hUG and lots of love while I pray for you today. xxxx

    • Thank you, Mary. Your prayers are so precious to me! Love you. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3

  3. What a beautiful memory!! I always love how our children’s trust in us teaches us how to trust in our Father. Thanks for linking up, Shelly!

    • I’ve learned so much from my kids! Love you, Holly! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3

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