“When Jesus comes, the shadows depart”. That is the inscription on an old Scottish castle and I would agree it is true. I remember, for instance, a particular time in my life when there were many shadows and I was mulling them over as I drove to work. In fact, even the car I was driving was part of it. I was having continuing mechanical problems and wasn’t sure if it was smart to keep the car much longer. On the other hand, I couldn’t afford a new car.

Overall, I just felt down and alone. As I reflected on several parts of my life, shadows hovered around all of them. My eyes were fixed firmly on those shadows and nowhere else. But something seemed to shake me loose. I almost felt like there was a tap on my shoulder and I felt prompted to look up.

Even though it was an overcast day, I could see a few shimmers of sunshine breaking through the gray. Then my heart remembered this scripture: “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from whence shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1).

Such a brief moment but in it, Jesus came. I can’t tell you what happened but everything changed. He met me there as I drove along. It felt to me like the sky was pure light and everything in my life that I had been worried about was going to be okay.

How about you? Have shadows? Expect them to leave when Jesus comes.