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. Share on X

The 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.

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.

Matthew Poole’s Commentary

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.

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