Psalm 119:105 NIV “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Light is something that is necessary to navigate this world of darkness. We need light to guide us safely through the unforeseen dangers that await us.
Several years ago, while pastoring a church in the desert of New Mexico, I made a stop at the church with two of my young children. The sun had already set over the San Andres Mountain range to the west as we entered the church office door. It was dark, and Eric and Ashley took off down the hall just seconds before I could turn the light on. I flipped the switch, and my attention was immediately drawn to the small rattlesnake coiled in middle of the hallway floor. There was unforeseen danger in the middle of the church hallway! Living in New Mexico for more than 13 years, we saw our fair share of these venomous reptiles, and thankfully without incident.
What about our spiritual journey? Are there unforeseen dangers in our spiritual path? In Proverbs 4:19 NIV, the author shares this insight, “But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.” We have the choice to walk in darkness or to walk in the light. Yes, many are the dangers along our path, but we can trust our daily, personal use of God’s Word will shine the light on those dangers.
From Proverbs 6:23, Solomon shared the “correction and instruction” found in the lamp of God’s Word “are the way to life.” When we live in the light of Truth, God directs our steps and leads us away from danger. And He will do so until there is no more darkness; because, in that eternal day, we won’t need the light of a lamp or of the sun for the Lord God will be our endless light.
But, while it is night and we journey in the darkness of this world… His Word is our light and lamp!