Hello everyone. I’ve been thinking a lot about our shadow side recently – all the parts of ourselves we prefer to hide, ignore and forget. If we are to become whole, we need to face and accept them all, sharing them with God, who already knows everything about us. I find it fascinating that even Jesus had a shadow side, which he had to face and accept during his time on earth – hence today’s prayer.
1. Even you, Lord,
Had a shadow:
Anger, tears, temptation.
2. Even you, Lord,
Had a shadow:
Fears you couldn’t share.
3. Even you, Lord,
Had a shadow:
Sorrow, grief, impatience.
4. Even you, Lord,
Had a shadow:
Anguish, dread, despair.
References
1. When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples (Mark 10:14; NLT).
Jesus wept (John 11:35; NLT).
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil (Matthew 4:1; NLT).
2. He was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood (Luke 22:44; NLT).
3. Then he [Jesus] said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Matthew 26:38; NIV).
Jesus said, “You faithless and corrupt people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? (Matthew 17:17; NLT).
4. My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? (Mark 15:34; NLT).
Insightful, Ruth. Praise God we have a high priest who is able to empathize with our shadows, because he has faced his own (Hebrews 4:15)! Your poem makes the point with bittersweet beauty.
This is so true. Thank you so much for your kind words, Nancy. I really appreciate your comment XXXX