In My Father's Shadow -- Psalms 36:6-8

My boys and I were at a waterpark today, when my attention was caught by one of the sweetest twoish year old little girl I have ever seen. As she and her parents walked up and sat at the table next to us I could tell she was very apprehensive to jump right in to the puddles and sprays of water all around her, but she was so intrigued.  She would take a step toward the water, and get startled and run right back to her father.  After a few failed attempts of trying to coax her into the fountains alone, her daddy finally decided that he needed to join her.  She would slowly approach the nearest watergun, or fountain, and just before she was about to get there she would freeze and look back to her father,  begging him with her precious eyes to come with her.

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 Of course, he did what every good father would do and came nearer to her to give her a boost of confidence.  As he neared her on the sunny day, the tall man cast quite a shadow over the small little girl, and as soon as that shadow came over her, Her entire attitude was changed.  She was safe in the shadow of her father, confident to try something new, and obviouly something a little intimidating.  As the shadow came over her, a smile came over her face, a sence of courage and happiness.  She was no longet captive to her fears, but set free by the protection of her own father. 

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I couldn't help but put myself in that little girls shoes.  How many times have I started to walk into a situation, a friendship, or a position that I felt completely inept to handle.  I have felt that aloneness, that overwhelming fear, and selfconciencness.  However, I have also felt all those fears and feelings be filter out by the shadow of my heavenly father.  I love the confidence that I have knowing that no matter where I'm at or what I'm doing that my Heavenly Fathers shadow is present, giving me confidence, power, and holding my hand as I walk up to the next challenge in life. 


Psalm 36: 6-8
How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.


Have you asked God to be your refuge?  What area of your life makes you run under God's shadow?