The Lord is the Shade of Your Right Hand
by Candyce Carden @CandyceCarden
I love the outdoors, but the intense heat of summer sends me scrambling for shade. When I walk, it’s along a path shaded by towering, leafy trees. When I’m at the beach, I plant myself under an umbrella. When I must pull weeds, I do it at dusk.
A lack of available shade keeps me indoors more than I like. One of the reasons we bought our house was the appeal of the large, raised deck. The first summer here, we learned the deck is not a friendly place. It faces east, and bright rays of sunshine transform it into an increasingly hot oven from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Our plans for summer grilling and outdoor dining with family and friends took a nosedive.
This summer we added a roof. As soon as the workers got it up, I stood under the covering. I couldn’t believe the difference. The shade provided instant relief from the burning rays of sunshine. The shade protected my eyes from the sun’s bright light. I could breathe. The deck was cooler, inviting. I could rest here a while.
God Protects Us with Shade
I turned my heart toward God and thanked Him for the shade. In addition to grilling and eating, I’ll enjoy lingering here when I need a retreat from work to enjoy the nearby woods, hear the birds sing, and experience God’s presence as He covers me with shade.
Because He does. I’m reminded of Scripture from the book of Psalms which says God is our shade.
The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; The sun will not harm you by day not the moon by night.
(Psalms 121:5 NIV)
When we turn to God in faith, His shade will be ours. And it will be as refreshing as a tall glass of water. Click To TweetThe Lord is our shade, both to refresh and keep us from the burning heat of the sun. God is often called a shade or shadow in the Bible, indicating He will protect us from our enemies. Why our right hand? According to commentaries, partly to uphold our right hand, which is the chief instrument of action and partly to defend us in the place where enemies attack us.[1]
God’s Shade is Always Available
The shade on our deck didn’t happen magically. We had to research it, hire the expertise, and wait until it could be scheduled. After the carpenters finished their work, my husband painted the ceiling, floor, and supporting beams. (He wanted me to mention that.) Action was required for the roof to become reality.
God’s shade is readily available to us. Action is necessary, but not nearly as much as with a new roof. We need the willingness to receive it, and when we turn to Him in faith His shade will be ours. And it will be as refreshing as a tall glass of water.
We would agree shades and shadows are important in the summer no matter where we live. In early Palestine though, protection from the dangerous heat was especially important. The sun was an enemy. In crossing the desert, travelers found little hope for shade but looked for it from hills, rocks, or caves. The writers of the Bible looked to God for shade. God was the ultimate shadow of protection for His people as He still is today.[2]
[1] Matthew Poole’s Commentary
[2] Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1440.
I trust you are enjoying summer and finding shade as needed. Your comments are appreciated and I’d love to pray for you if needed. Reach out via the contact button.
Winner! Winner! The winner of the contest for Barb Winter’s new book Sexpectations helping the next generation navigate healthy relationships is Jeannie Waters. Congratulations, Jeannie! Please respond to my email requesting your shipping address and Amazon will send the book right to you!
I can relate to your story of summer heat since I live in Oklahoma and summer can be brutal. So your post really made the verse come alive for me. When I do venture out, I will part in any shade possible no matter how far away from my destination. What a blessing to be under the shade of God.
Shade is a blessing, isn’t it? One of many that God’s plan for Creation provides for us.
I was just thinking about this topic the other day when I sat in full sun at a baseball game. I thought I would pass out from the blistering heat. At some point, I moved to another section that was shaded, and the difference was amazing. Your biblical application is spot-on. Thanks, Candyce!
The difference a shade makes in the temperature is incredible. I discovered it’s related to something called solar radiation – how heat builds in objects exposed to the blazing sun. Thanks for stoppingn by!
Wow Candyce. What a great illustration and reminder. Thank you. He is my shade at my right hand.
Thanks, Sylvia!
Thank you for the reminder that God shades me from the blast of the sun’s heat when life gets hot.
Joanna, your comment brought a smile. Life does get “hot” sometimes and we definitely need a retreat.
Blessings!
I’m always amazed by the difference shade makes in the summer heat. Like you, our patio wasn’t covered when we moved into our house. We’ve always said one of the best things we’ve ever done to our house is cover the patio. I like picturing God as my shade. The best thing I’ve ever done with my life is to step under his shadow. Blessings, Candyce.
We were hesitate to do it because of the cost, but we’re so happy with the difference it made.
God provides a formidable shadow for us, doesn’t He? Shadows are not always considered good things, but God’s shadow is one we can rest in.
Another great read Candyce! I’m sure you’ll enjoy many hours under your new shaded porch while enjoying the shade of your Savior!
You are such an encourager. Thank you, Lisa. I will enjoy it. My new favorite spot to be.
Candyce, how timely! It is scorching hot here in Michigan today. Thank you for the reminder of refreshing ourselves in the shadow of His care. I liked the analogy of a tall, refreshing glass of water – it would be a cool glass of iced tea for me!
Thank you for following God’s leading in your life and your writing. You are a light in a dark world. Blessings.
“The shadow of his care.” I like how that sounds. Thank you so much for your kind words.
Loved your message, Candyce. As with you, I seek shade when I’m outside in the summer. Not only from the heat, but also from the bright rays of sun which can damage our skin and eyes. Our sun is essential for our survival, but too much can be harmful (as is true with a lot of things). Thankfully, we can never get too much of our Lord and Savior’s love and guidance. Thank you for this message of love and the assurance of His abiding faith.
Lots of truth and wisdom in your words, Katherine. Enjoy the rest of your summer and beware of the sun’s harmful rays. I know you love the outdoors as much as I.
Blessings!
Your deck looks awesome and I’m sure you are enjoying the shade. Thanks for the parallels that made me think about God’s shade that protects us.
You are welcome. We are almostvthrough with painting and staining. Then we’ll be able to move all the furniture back.
Never thought of a covering in that sense . Now when I sit out on my deck I will rejoice bc I’m not only being cover by the top of it but also through Jesus’ love it !!!
I like to imagine Jesus at my right hand when I feel I need protection. Thanks for adding your thoughts.
Love your words and your new covered porch! Enjoy!
Thank you, Tyna! In addition to providing much-needed shade, it looks good too. I was a bit worried about that. We plan to take advantage of it.
What a perfect post during this long, hot, dry spell we’re having Ms. Candyce. A perfect reminder that if we’ll rest in Him, our fiery trial won’t be quite so hot. Loved it my friend. God’s blessings and I hope you get at least five more beach trips in this year. Oh, and congratulations Ms. Jeannie.
I know you’re facing hot, dry days on the ranch. Praying for both rain and shade. I read somewhere that farming has a 25% efficiency rating, which makes me extra thankful for the “yous’ of this country.
And I’m headed to the beach at the end of this week, J.D. Thank you!