Daily Devotional

A few days before Groundhog Day my son, Alan, said “I don’t remember a Groundhog Day where the groundhog didn’t see his shadow.” He said, “There’s always six more weeks of winter.”

Then on February 2, 2024, Punxsutawney Phil rose without a shadow, which means it will be an early spring.

Our last residence before moving to Fresno was in Brainerd, Minnesota. And unlike Fresno, during the winter months, the temperatures were sub-zero, and the sun never came out. So when February 2nd came around each year, we were all very interested to know whether or not the groundhog saw his shadow.

Do the difficulties of life ever make you feel like you’re living in the shadow of fear and uncertainty?

The prophet Isaiah says, “Do not fear, I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13)

In the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day”, Bill Murray’s character, weatherman Phil Connors, finds himself perpetually living out the February 2nd holiday in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, his least favorite day of the year.  He asks the question, “What would you do if you were stuck in one place and every day was exactly the same, and nothing you did mattered?”

When Phil realized he was caught in the vicious cycle of living February 2nd for eternity, he got angry and started looking for ways to serve his selfish ends, which led to dissatisfaction and loneliness.

About halfway through the movie, a friend helps Phil recognize his negative attitude toward his predicament and encourages him to see the positives. As a result, Phil realizes he can’t change the world around him, but he can change the way he interacts with it. So he started using his knowledge of everyone in town to help people. He changed a flat tire for a carload of ladies, he gave the Heimlich maneuver to a choking man, and he helped an engaged couple make sure they were ready for marriage.  

Now, I don’t think this movie was meant to be spiritually profound but think about the biblical reality Phil stumbled upon. You can live in the shadows of your current predicament, with a selfish and negative attitude. Or you can be positive, focusing on helping others, and doing all you can to better your current situation, with the help of our God. It’s up to you.

Maybe today you feel like you’re living in the shadow of fear and uncertainty. God may not change your current situation immediately, but He does want you to change your attitude towards the situation. He wants you to find ways to bless and encourage people around you. He wants you to help them see you have the hope of Christ in your life, even in the difficult times. So try to find hidden joys buried in each day, and quit focusing on fleeting pleasures. Come out of the shadows and live in the light of Christ knowing He loves you, gave His life for you, and chose you to be His child.

Interested in following along with a past 40 Days for Life devotional?

For more information, visit campusbiblechurch.com/40days

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