Day 33: Staying in the Protection of God’s Shade
Out in the open, exposed to the elements, the sun bears down relentlessly. In the ancient Middle East, shade wasn’t a luxury—it was survival. The psalmist knew that life could feel like a constant desert, and yet, he writes that “the Lord is your shade at your right hand.” The implication is clear: God is near, and His protection is real. But we have to remain in it.
Imagine a large tree rooted in solid ground. It doesn’t chase you. It doesn’t bend to meet your movement. It stands. The shade is always there—but it’s only useful if you’re under it. The moment you step away, the sun scorches your skin. And the world, like that sun, is always rising from new angles. One day it’s stress. The next ones are temptation, distraction, comparison, anxiety, pressure, and pride. The heat shifts—but the tree doesn’t. We must be the ones who move back into the shade.
Fasting is one of the ways we do that. It’s not about impressing God—it’s about realigning with Him. Fasting pulls us back from the margins, from our wandering thoughts and misplaced trust, and brings us once again under the covering of His presence. It says, “Lord, I want to remain close enough to be covered. I don’t want to live exposed to every passing heatwave the world throws at me.”
And here’s the beauty: God’s shade doesn’t just protect—it refreshes. In His presence, there’s rest. Clarity. Strength. Relief. And we’re reminded that though the sun still rises, we’re not without shelter.
Prayer
Lord, I confess that I often drift from Your shade. I let the distractions and demands of life pull me out from under Your covering. But today, I step back. I choose to dwell in Your presence. Thank You for being my constant shelter—even when I forget it’s there. As I fast, realign me with Your rest. Let Your presence overshadow every fear, temptation, and pressure. Keep me close enough to feel Your shade. Amen.
Join us for a 6-week online book study of Derek Prince’s “Shaping History Through Prayer and Fasting” starting July 8, 2025. We will meet each week on Zoom from 5:00-6:30pm CT. The online book study will conclude on August 12, 2025.
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