The Shadowlands
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5 (NIV)
ME: Sometimes I hear things at night and spend a great deal of my sleeping time trying to figure out what I just heard.
JESUS: You know that My angels are encamped about you, as you asked.
ME: But why do I get crazy scared?
JESUS: Because it is dark around your room.
ME: I have watched the Lion King several times and sometimes I feel like Simba in the Shadowland. He loved exploring but his curiosity almost got him killed.
JESUS: You have made several trips to the shadowlands in your lifetime, but each time, I have pulled you back before taking that final step. I have rescued you and brought you back to My Light. You cried out to me and I heard you. Trust Me, I run to the sound of My precious children who genuinely need and seek Me.
ME: But I don’t like the shadowlands because it is dark and very frightening. The past lurks there and I tend to relive it. How do I seem to end up there?
JESUS: Your curiosity and free will take over. Stepping away from My radiant Light, you head for danger. You can only go so far before seeing shadows. My Light is what it is—LIGHT! There are absolutely no shadows while abiding close to Me.
ME: I think I am getting the picture. When I can see a scary shadow, I’ve gone too far. Right?
JESUS: Yes! My law is perfect, refreshing your soul. My statutes are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
ME: Oh…Are you calling me a simpleton?
JESUS: There is much to learn. Your years are numbered but take heart, you have not come to the end of My plan for you.
ME: Well, that’s good news! Care to tell me how many years?
JESUS: No. That would send you scurrying back to the shadowlands. Just remember how many times you have approached My throne of grace with confidence, so that you could receive mercy and find grace to help you in your time of need. I always have and always will respond.
ME: Well, I have one more question… instead of corralling my curiosity, how about a flashlight?
JESUS: No! Trust Me and stay put! That is your only option.