ABIDING UNDER THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY
By Ken Blue
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalms 91:1.
Last week an unusual event took place in the Seattle area; the sun came out and we had about 80° weather! In the late afternoon, I went to the east side of our house to soak in some of the precious rays. The shadows were long, so I had to go down the driveway a few feet to get in the sunshine.
I tilted my wheelchair to a recline position, with my back to the sun. My chair and image cast about a three foot shadow to the East in front of me. My dog, Chester followed me, circled the chair a couple of times, and then lay down in my shadow. Although there was much lawn grass and a cool cement slab nearby, he chose to lie in the gravel, about six inches from my foot pads.
As I looked down on Chester, I could not help but think of the above verse. What could I learn from what I saw? First, I learned that he wanted to be near me. Then, I realized that he chose the rough driveway instead of the cool slab, or comfortable lawn. Next, he found comfort from the heat of the day by placing himself where I was between him and the sun. Finally, a few times he raised his head and looked at me, and wagged his tail. Now, I don’t pretend to know what was on his mind, but I think I understood the signal I received.
Perhaps nothing was intended from that little event, but let me share what it meant to me. First, we should get as close to our Master as possible. Then, we should choose the rough ground to be close if necessary. Since God asks us to cast all our care on Him, let’s keep Him between the heat of the day and ourselves. Finally, we should lift our heads and say, “I love You; everything’s OK when You are near; and thank You for all You do for me.”
I looked at Chester and thought to myself, “You are one lucky dog.” Maybe that’s why they call it a dog’s life. But then, we too, have it made, don’t we?
Pastor Ken Blue was born in Boswell, Ark. In 1955 he accepted Christ as his Savior. He and his wife Joyce were married in 1955. They have 5 children. He graduated from Midwestern Baptist Bible College in 1969 and started the Open Door Baptist Church in Lynnwood, Wa. where he pastored for 39 years. Because of health issues (ALS) he was forced to resign as pastor. It is his desire to continue to be used of God to help pastors and believers through this ministry.
Pastor Blue. God bless you today, in His shadow. Once again, your obedience of living in the shadow of the almighty has produced a blessing many miles from where you are. Perhaps it is that obedience that turns a brief moment enjoying the sun into an even brighter warmth in His presence that you’ve shared with us. As I write this my own Australian Shepherd is sitting under the wheels of my office chair, so closely that I have to be careful that I don’t roll over her when I move. I’ll never look at that behavior the same after this. Especially since I just corrected her and she still wants to be so close to me.
Thanks for being faithful to Him and giving us the benefits of that walk.
Craig
Pastor Blue, God Bless you. Your mind never sleeps and you see things so deeply. I only wish I did! Craigs message to you is exactly what I would have said if I could have been as eloquent as either of you.
You are so amazing and God has blessed you with a wonderful enquiring and thoughtful mind. I love it that you are so insightful and can point out these little but yet monumental events to people like me.
Sharon
Dr. Blue,
Thank you for this practical illustration of how God shows us how to apply His word through the little things in life.