Devotional by Rhonda Davis

A family friend of ours (Nancy Butner) sent this devotional to me while my husband was deployed and I loved it. I hung it on the side of the refridgerator and would read it often, sometimes twice a day. I thought I would share it here in hopes that it will help someone else.

. . . In His Shadow
by Rhonda Davis

It's early. A sharp sound pierces the darkness. He rolls over and hits the alarm. It's 4:30 in the morning. Trying not to wake me, he starts his day. In a little while he will come to kiss me bye, and I'll count off how many morning kisses I have left before he is gone, and my mornings will be lonely and quiet. He kisses me and whispers, "I love you." I say a prayer of protection as he leaves, "When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid" (Psalm 56:3-4a), and there I lay quietly . . . in His shadow.

The rush of the morning is usual. The kids scurry around. Backpacks ready, lunches packed, the van loaded up, and we are off again. We drive past the airfield and see another plane ready to leave with soldiers aboard. I noticed my oldest son look that way. He catches sight of a helicopter taking off and points out the details of its components to my youngest son. Such is the life of an Army child. I take them to school, a hug, a kiss, and a prayer for my children to live in Christ; "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13), and we begin our day . . . in His shadow.

I sit in training with other Army wives and listen to strategies, to what if this and what if that happens, and dates and information. We prepare. We plan, teach , mentor, and pray. We talk about household problems that may occur, and what directions to give to those in need. We discuss phone rosters, points of contact, financial training, powers of attorney, and wills. I catch him walking by the conference room and I smile with pride. He sees me and smiles back. I thank God for him, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstance, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), and I sit still . . . in His shadow.

The church is quiet. Prayers for safety are said. A family kneels and holds hands. The laying on of hands and sealing with oil. Peace that passes all understanding comes, and there we kneel . . . in His shadow.

The formation stands, instructions laid out. Names are called. Lines are formed. A kiss goodbye and a turn to leave, a quick glance back, and a wink of confidence. A prayer of protection, "He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you" (Psalm 91:4-7). And there we watch . . . in His shadow.

The plane lifts off. The families depart. Life continues with love and support. I look up into the sky as the plane flies away. "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken" (Psalm 62:1-2). God opens the clouds and reaches out to protect and comfort . . . in His shadow.