It’s hard to believe that we’re already a week into April! These are some precious days, these last couple of months that I will have a child in school. So many “lasts” are on our horizon. As I wrote in my journal this weekend, I want to make a conscious effort to enjoy each one and not just let them slip by.
Our theme on the blog for April is going to be God’s Word. I may not be able to fit all that I want to talk about into a month, so we may revisit this theme later!
Have you ever been in total darkness? Some years ago, my husband and I visited Luray Caverns in Virginia. We went on a guided tour, and at one point, our guide turned off his light so that we could appreciate how dark it was down inside the cave. It was creepy! As the saying goes, you really couldn’t see your hand in front of your face. I could feel the darkness, and was very glad that he didn’t leave his light off for long!
We all appreciate a little light in the darkness. This familiar verse reminds us that, in life, God’s Word gives us light.
“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” ~Psalm 119:105
So how can God’s Word be a lamp for our feet and a light for our path? Here are five ways.
1. It gives us direction.
A light helps us know where we want to put our foot down next. We don’t want to step in a puddle or a hole or on top of a snake! If we’re walking along in the dark with no light to guide us, we can also easily get lost.
When we need direction in life, we can find it in God’s Word. “Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” ~Psalm 119:133
Often, we get just enough light for the next step, not a spotlight on the whole road ahead. Sure, it would be nice to have everything mapped out, but following Christ one step at a time builds our faith.
2. It gets rid of darkness.
In this case, the darkness I’m referring to is sin. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” ~Psalm 119:11
When we’re tempted, we can run to Scripture and focus our minds on it. The more we memorize and meditate on God’s Word, the more ammunition we’ll have to fight our flesh and the Devil when they attack us.
We’re a lot less likely to trip and fall when we have light to walk by. Not only does the Bible help us fight sin, it also gives us discernment so that we can avoid temptation in the first place.
3. It brings comfort.
“I remembered thy judgments of old, O Lord; and have comforted myself.” ~Psalm 119:52
In Friday’s e-mail post, I mentioned how the Holy Spirit brought to mind a specific Bible verse when I was struggling with disappointment. Likely many of us have run to the Psalms when we need encouragement or just to hear from someone we feel like empathizes with our hurt or pain. On our dark and down days, we can find comfort in God’s Word.
4. It reveals the path to eternal life.
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” ~2 Timothy 3:15
The Bible tells us how to be saved. From John 3:16 to the “Romans Road” verses, anyone can come to know Jesus as their Savior. Each of us can make the decision to turn from the darkness of sin to the light of the gospel.
5. It shows us that we need God’s help in every area of our lives.
As Christians, we may have a tendency to think that we can handle marriage, parenting, and just generally living a Godly life in our own strength. But the light of God’s Word reminds us that we need Jesus to help us in everything we do.
If we lack wisdom, we ask Him for it. [James 1:5] Have a particular weakness? God can show His strength through it. [2 Corinthians 12:9-10] Struggle with worry? He can handle that, too if we’ll take it to Him in prayer. [Philippians 4:6-7]
These are fundamental truths from Psalm 119:105, but they can so easily be applied to the exact situations we find ourselves in today. May we allow God’s Word to guide our steps and light our way as we seek to follow Him.
Related posts:
- 7 Tips to Help Parents Teach Their Children God’s Word
- 10 Things to Pray for When You’re Seeking God’s Guidance
- Don’t Be a Fool: 5 Things to Avoid if You Want to Be Wise
Someone pointed this verse out to me before we moved to Florida many years ago and I was a little nervous about it. She reminded me, like you say, that God only gives us enough light sometimes for the next step. Oh, how I wish He would illuminate the whole thing. At least, I think I do. 🙂
You have a good point! I think I want to know what’s ahead, but if I did, I likely wouldn’t have the strength or grace I need to handle it just yet.
Awww, I know Luray! We’ve also gone to Linville Caverns in NC, and it’s amazing, too.
Amen amen amen to God’s Word!!!