No Shadow!

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:17

“I the Lord do not change; therefore you are not consumed.” Malachi 3:6

“In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” “Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world.'” John 1:4-5,9; 8:12

“Our Lord Jesus Christ,.. dwells in unapproachable light.” 1 Timothy 6:14,16

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

In the luff and constant changes of our spinning world, rife with tensions and insecurities, it is hard to comprehend pure constancy. Darkness looms, evil lurks, and deception and sin-tainted perception cloud what we desire to see clearly. Against these themes of shadow there reigns One who is unadulterated light- ever shining, never dimming, ever brilliant, never waning. The God of glory and truth neither owns nor casts any shadows. (1 Corinthians 13:12)

It fortifies our souls to be familiar with this constant Light. Contemplating the Lord’s unchanging greatness, power, and radiant presence strengthens resolve when convictions are challenged, and steadies us when the culture, or conflict, tug at our anchor. Spending time in the splendor of God’s light exposes those tendencies that are awry, warms affections for Him and His ways, and strengthens our determination to obey.

When the dusk of doubt or anxiety fall, come to the soothing light of Jesus! He who never changes is present underneath, above, and all around, upholding us and lifting our heads. When consternation over a decision made or needing to be made roils within, soak in His light! The One whose lamp guides our steps will confirm them to His ends. When temptation broods, its deceptive fingers luring us to confusion, weakness, or darkness, turn away from the shadows to the clear truth and power of the Conquering King! When fears lurk, shading circumstances or an unknown future with gloom, cast them off and rest in the promises where no shadow lies! (Psalm 3:3; 90:1-2; 119:105; Deuteronomy 33:27; Joshua 1:5)

Where have we entertained shadows in our thinking and turned to worry, brooding, or complaint? What frivolous activities or thoughtless expenditures have been tarnished by restlessness, envy, or discontent, causing us to betray our first love for Christ? How have we settled, gradually or unknowingly, into the shadowlands of spiritual complacency, neglecting assembling together and preferring and honoring and serving others? When will we break out of the shadows once for all, and bring our selfishness, greed, idolatry, any dark habits, into God’s wonderful, grace-filled light? (Revelation 2:4-5)

“Great is thy faithfulness, O God, my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with thee.
Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
As thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.

Great is thy faithfulness,
Great is thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed thy hand hast provided;
Great is thy faithfulness, 
Lord unto me.” ~Thomas Chisolm (1923)

Lord, please illumine my heart, soul, and mind to love Your radiance and live with no shadows, to Your praise and glory.