By Vaughn Andrews
Psalm 119: 105 NLT
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”
At night, have you ever stumbled in the dark to get to the bathroom? Or stumped your toe on the bed trying to find your slippers? Imagine the day remained dark and you had no running electricity, or no flashlight or candle in the house. Imagine trying to navigate life without direction! Without light! What a blessing to see!
Recently I acquired a pair of spectacles. I had been needing them for some time, but I resisted going to get my eyes checked, as I was getting by using large fonts, and extremely bright lights to read. However, things got dicey when I had to renew my driver’s license. After failing the vision test at one motor vehicle office, I went to another. I failed a second time and convinced myself that it was due to having a long day working on my computer. The following day after the second failure I went early in the morning to a third motor vehicle office where upon looking through the testing device I was able to determine most of the letters. I barely passed, knowing that the inevitable was inevitable. For my own good I needed glasses. And what a help they have been!
The authorship of Psalm 119 has been ascribed to the Israelite King, David, who in this psalm cautions us to not leave home without a lamp. This psalm is the longest one in the book of psalms and the longest chapter in the entire Bible. It has 176 verses broken into 22 stanzas, one for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The psalm speaks to many things, but in verse 105 it specifically addresses having a lamp and light.
At many points in David’s life, he needed and obtained critical guidance: when he was taking care of sheep and fending off animals; when he was slighted from being considered the next king; when he confronted Goliath; when he had to run from Saul. Not following God’s way, had consequences: lusting after Bathsheba and essentially committing murder, resulted in the loss of a child. Nevertheless, he confessed and cried to God for mercy. As the crown grew heavy on his head, he dealt with feuding children, and discontent followers….
Having God’s Word to help us navigate the vicissitudes of life is priceless. His word is dependable, reliable, and wise. Consider the lessons taught in the lives of several Bible characters. Consider the Proverbs written by Solomon; the prophetic writings which document the rise and fall of kings and tribes;the Psalms that give assurance and comfort; the gospels which illuminate the words of Christ and point us to a redeemer and savior; the writings of the apostle Paul which inspire us to live more fulfilling and purposeful lives, and which give counsel for everyday living.
God’s word is available for daily use: when we arise; when we get up; when we move about our days; when we interact with others. We need our lamps filled with oil–the Spirit of God–to guide our speech, to guide our thoughts and to convict our hearts to love, in a world full of evil and hate.
How do we make God’s Word a lamp? Is it just by reading? How can we get to know the Word for ourselves, and not just by hearing others talk about it? 2 Timothy 3:16 and 17 says,
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”
There are several resources available to enrich our reading and study of God’s word. We can use a devotional, or a study guide. There are audible versions that we can listen to. Different sections within the Bible address different topics. We can usevarious applications (Apps) to help choose a section to read that addresses a particular need. Follow a plan, or choose a book in the Bible and then move from one to the next. Use different translations to get a better understanding of passages. Ultimately, carve out time to meditate and reflect on life experiences within the context of what God’s word teaches. Make time to know and understand how God desires to guide you personally–from the bed to the bathroom; from the bathroom to the closet; from the closet to the kitchen; and from the kitchen out of the house!
The beauty of life is that when we have that lamp, that lamp can then become a light to others pointing others to the source from which the lamp comes–the true light—Jesus Christ, the savior of the world.
The lamp is there to enjoy and to provide blessings that illuminate our way.
A story is told of a little boy named Thomas who received a beautiful, red umbrella but didn’t know how to use it:
“The umbrella was magnificent looking with a sturdy wooden handle, and a long canopy that seemed to promise protection from any storm. However, Thomas, who was often moreinterested in pitching marbles, and playing with his cars, had no idea how the umbrella worked. Every now and then he would pick it up and shake it. He would use it as a stick to prod things.He would wave it or tuck it under his shoulder as if he was carrying a rifle. All the while he did not know how it really worked.
One afternoon, dark clouds gathered, and a sudden torrential downpour began to lash against the windows. Thomas watched the raindrops from the safety of his housed, feeling a pang of disappointment that his umbrella was stilled closed. His uncle, noticing Thomas forlorn gaze, smiled and walked over to him and said, ‘Thomas, have you forgotten what your umbrella is for?’ His uncle then showed him the small button near the handle. A simple press and with a satisfying snap, the red canopy sprang open, revealing the smooth, vibrant surface of the umbrella, ready to do its job.
Thomas gasped in amazement. He had held the umbrella for weeks, yet he had never truly seen it. He then stepped outside confidently with the umbrella held high, able to prevent raindrops from hitting his head. From that day on, the red umbrella was no longer just a showpiece, it became a dependable companion for every rainy day.”
An umbrella doesn’t fulfil its real purpose if we never open it.The same with our Bibles. Once we learn how to use it, we must open it to find the treasures within that can guide us along life’s way.
a few scribbles here and there... 