Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
In a Golf Digest article by Keely Levins, Butch Harmon gives tips on “putting through your shadow.” I quote, “If you’ve ever been distracted by your shadow, don’t worry: You’re not alone. A lot of golfers complain about having to putt through their shadows because it’s distracting, and it’s tough to see the line.”
Harmon continues, “Your shadow may be in the way while you’re putting it; it won’t be in your line while you’re reading it. Take advantage of the clear visual and choose your exact line while you’re behind the ball. Once you commit to it, stand up to your ball and roll it on that line with confidence, regardless of where your shadow may be…Of all the silly excuses for missing putts, being distracted by your shadow has to be near the top. But it’s a real thing that a lot of golfers struggle with. Be careful that it doesn’t become a hang-up for you.”
That article can teach us a few things that will help our putting, but more importantly, it could help us navigate life better.
When fear or shadows are screaming at us from every direction, what can we do?
See. More than just observing, have a clear vision of what is true from God’s word. Whatever you are facing (walking through) remember because of Jesus, we have the victory. As in the putting tip, seeing things from a different perspective or getting advice from a wise, godly friend may help give you a clearer picture of your situation. Psalm 119:18
Choose. Make a decision. We may have control of our choices, but we aren’t in control of the consequences. Joshua 24:15
Commit. Go the distance. He will make a way and walk with you through the valley of the shadow of death. Psalm 37:5
Are you walking through a shadow right now? David, who wrote seventy-three Psalms, had a pretty good understanding of “going through shadows.”
He said, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.” David didn’t put a stake in the ground, camp out, or give up, and neither should we!
Are you feeling overwhelmed with fear in your journey of life? Fear of an election that won’t go the way you hope or fear that your kids and/or grandkids will make good decisions in life, and faith or fear that your retirement account won’t be there in future years or fear the tests may come back with unwelcomed results, or fear that you haven’t done enough to be loved or forgiven by God.
Thankfully, because Jesus conquered death, hell, and the grave, we can live without fearing the shadows we have on or off the course. Why? Because He has overcome!
With a good read and a confident stroke, shadows will soon become a non-factor in your game.
What does a good read look like in life? It’s trusting that God is in control. It’s trusting His plan even when it is countercultural and not popular. It’s walking confidently through the shadows, knowing it has no power in and of itself.
Prayer: Holy Spirit! Help us live fearlessly and confidently in the finished work of Jesus when we experience the shadows of life.