HAVE YOU SEEN HIS SHADOW?

February 3, 2006

Punxsutawney Phil (the groundhog) saw his shadow, so he can go rest for another six weeks!

THINK ABOUT IT

Bill Deeley

Official groundhog handler Bill Deeley (in file photo) holds Punxsutawney Phil as he talks to the local media Feb. 2 in Punxsutawney, Penn. As is traditional on Groundhog Day, the furry little weather forecaster comes out of his burrow, looks for his shadow and utters his prediction on how much longer winter will last in "groundhogese." This year, Phil predicted six more weeks of winter. Punxsutawney has celebrated Groundhog Day since 1887, as depicted in the 1993 movie "Groundhog Day" starring Bill Murray.

Credit: Jeff Swensen/Getty Images & cnet.news.com, 02/02/06

TAKE A LOOK

Psalms 91:1-2 - (NLT)

      ¹Those who live in the shelter of the Most High

            will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
      ²This I declare of the LORD:

            He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;

            he is my God, and I am trusting him.

WHY IS TODAY'S SCRIPTURE AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO EVERY CHRIST-FOLLOWER?

If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, Psalm 91:1-2 is God's promise to you! Our loving Heavenly Father is our safe place in all of life's fears and struggles. The "shadow of the Almighty" is a picture of God's power and protection. Just to be in the presence of His "shadow" is all we need to have enough faith to take refuge in Him and trust Him with every part of our life.

"Groundhog Day" is a celebration that is rooted in a German superstition. Some Germans believed that if a hibernating animal casts a shadow Feb. 2 - the Christian holiday of Candlemas - winter will last another six weeks. The groundhog can go "rest" for awhile. If no shadow is seen, legend says spring will come early.

Isn't it great to rely on truth rather than superstition? When we see God's "shadow", we can keep resting in Him...all over again...all over again...

TALK ABOUT IT

Praise God for His power and protection! If you have strayed from His "shadow", confess it and jump back in! Thank God that you can rest in Him knowing that He has a perfect plan and purpose for you. Tell Him any fears you have right now and allow Jesus to strengthen you. He's always ready and willing.

TRY IT

Memorize today's scripture. God will use it to keep you in His "shadow".
Whenever you find yourself in a shadow this next week, let it remind you to take shelter in the Father for all of your needs and fears.
In your journal, write down your five main needs and fears. Keep praying about them for the next six weeks. See if God changes your heart from winter to spring?

ABOUT IT

DAILY DEVOS is brought to you by Youth for Christ. Youth for Christ works with young people on campus and in the community in over one hundred countries around the world so that they might have an opportunity to become a follower of Christ and be a part of a local church.

Byron Emmert Daily Devos is published Monday through Friday. Archives can be found at YFC.ORG. Its purpose is to help you apply truths from God's Word every day.

Our writer, Byron Emmert, has been involved with Youth For Christ for 30 years. He's served as Campus Life Staff, as a writer, and in leadership for the DCLA Conferences. Byron is married to Linda and their family includes two married sons and daughters-in-law, and a daughter in college. He loves sports, deep dish pizza, and spending time with his family.