It’s really nice to be in the shade. I learned that this past summer. Here in Oklahoma, the highs were over 100 degrees for weeks. The heat index was around 110 degrees each day. Sound bad? It was hot! Unless you were in the shade. It was almost unbearable to work or play out in the sun. But to sit in the shade? It was actually nice! The temperature was the same, but shade made all the difference in the world.

That helped me appreciate one of the Bible’s beautiful descriptions of God: “The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night” (Psalm 121:5,6). What’s God like? He’s our shade. Over 100-degree temperatures are bad, but here’s what’s worse: The weight of guilt and regret. The pain of disappointment and hurt. The daily jabs of other people’s anger and spite. Sin beating down on us. Day after day. That’s unbearable!

So come into the shade! “The Lord is your shade.” He took your sin and nailed it to his cross. He takes your regret and drowns it in his promises of his control over your life. He fills the holes left by disappointment and insult with his love. Do you know how Jesus’ forgiveness and love make you feel? Cool. Refreshed. Restored. It’s hot out in the sun. So come into the shade. “The Lord is your shade.”