Psalm 119:105 - Light For A Dark World.
Psalm 119:105: Light For A Dark World.
Psalm 119:105 (KJV) Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light
unto my path.
INTRODUCTION
The Word of God illuminates the way so that men may walk safely
in the spiritual darkness of this world. He who has this light to
guide him need not stumble even though his path is beset with evil
(see 2 Peter 1:19). [SDA Bible Commentary]
The Bible is a map to guide us. Almost any long trip requires a
map or guide. As we travel through life, the Bible should be our
road map, pointing out safe routes, obstacles to avoid, and our final
destination. We must recognize ourselves as pilgrims, travelers here on earth
who need to study Gods map to learn the way. If we ignore the
map, we will wander aimlessly through life and risk missing our real
destination. [Life Application SB]
To walk safely in the woods at night we need a light so we don't
trip over tree roots or fall into holes. In this life, we walk
through a dark forest of evil. But the Bible can be our light to show us
the way ahead so we won't stumble as we walk. It reveals the
entangling roots of false values and philosophies. Study the Bible so you
will be able to see your way clear enough to stay on the right path.
[Life Application SB]
COMMENTARY
We often find ourselves wondering if we are on the right
path. There are times when it seems we have far more questions than
answers. Am I going the right way? Is this working? Should I keep going,
or should I turn around and go back? Does anyone notice how much
I've changed?
When we are faced with these questions, we need to go first
to God's Word, the Bible In the book of Psalms, we read that
God's Word serves as a light to our feet. All of us have experienced
times of real darkness - no flashlights, no streetlights. When we walk
in a world full of darkness, we need a lamp to show us where to
take our next step.
The Bible is that lamp. Step by step God leads us, showing us
what to do. He may not show us his entire plan for our lives, but
through his Word, he shows us one step at a time. The truth is, we don't
need all the answers. Not right now anyway. Instead, we need just
enough light for our feet.
Thank you, Lord, for giving me your Word to light the path
along my journey. Help me to take one step at a time. In Jesus' name,
Amen. [Celebrate Recovery Daily Devotional by John & Johnny Baker]
Many of us have experienced an interesting phenomenon. While
we are reading God's Word, a certain verse - or maybe even just a
word or a phrase - will suddenly come alive, as if it were printed in
neon lights. Or a verse or passage quoted audibly will suddenly sound
much louder than all the other words before and after. It rings in
the depths of our spirits, as if highlighted for a specific purpose.
It speaks directly and powerfully.
All of Scripture speaks to us, of course, but sometimes God
has specific guidance or encouragement for a particular situation or
season. When we read or listen with an open spirit - a heart that is
ready to hear - He will magnify portions of His written Word and apply
them directly to our lives. Psalm 119 extols the benefits of
Scripture - its teachings revive us, keep us from sin, encourage us, show
us His ways, and so on - but it also tells us that we can receive
specific light for our next step. As we read the Bible, the Holy Spirit
will often illumine His thoughts and engage us in a specific
conversation. When we listen to the written Word, we may hear it as an inner
voice.
It is futile to think of hearing God on a regular basis
outside of Scripture, without also listening for Him within it. This is
where He has already spoken perfectly, revealing His general, eternal
purposes and His ways with His people. Words that were inspired long ago
still resound as we read or listen to them now. And, if we ask - and
sometimes even when we don't - they will jump off the page and into our
hearts. In those moments, we will know we have heard the voice of the
living God.
Father, as I come to Your Word, speak to me. Make Your words
- specific, applicable, direct words - a lamp to guide my feet and
a light for my path. Shine Your light very specifically on exactly
what You want me to hear. [The One Year Hearing His Voice Devotional
by Chris Tiegreen]
ILLUSTRATIONS
Driving along a two-lane mountain road at night, your
headlights may fall on several of those yellow, diamond-shaped signs with
black, squiggly arrows in the middle. They caution you that the road
ahead - hidden from your sight - is about to twist and turn, following
the contours of the mountain. But that's okay; the road will still
get you to your destination.
The Bible posts many such hazard signs within its pages.
We're reminded that the way ahead is filled with drop-offs, potholes,
and sudden turns. Today's Scripture reads, "Your word is a lamp for
my feet, a light on my path." You wouldn't drive that curvy
mountain road at night without your lights on. And you don't want to race
into the rest of your day - or your life - without the counsel,
warnings, and illumination of God's Word.
Heavenly Father, without Your Word I really would be
wandering in the dark. So many times, in so many moments, You bring the
tight truth to my mind at precisely the right time. Your encouragement
gets me through long afternoons when pain looms and anxieties roll in
like fog. Thank You for lighting my path and putting a song in my
heart. [A Spectacle of Glory by Joni Eareckson Tada and Larry Libby]
One of the things I struggle with on a daily basis is fear.
It might be the fear of disappointing someone, the fear of failure,
or the fear of making a costly mistake. I've found that when I give
in to fear, it can cripple me and keep me from moving forward in my
recovery as well as in my life.
The tricky thing is that we can't trust fear. Think about how
fear is like the darkness. When we go into a dark room, we can't see
a thing. Even though we might know the room well, once the lights
are out, everything seems different. We imagine that things are
jumping out to trip us as we shuffle around trying not to run into
something and hurt ourselves. In reality, nothing has changed except our
perception. The furniture is right where it was; the doors haven't moved.
It's the same room it was with the light on. It's just that the
darkness distorts things.
Fear does the same thing. It distorts our perceptions, making
us lose our sense of reality and focus on "what ifs. Most of
the things we fear aren't real at all; just figments of our
imagination. When the truth comes in, it illuminates our minds, just like
turning on the light in a dark room. Truth comes from God's Word. So why
live in fear when we can open our Bibles and turn on the light?
Lord God, fill me with your truth as I read Your Word. I want
to live in the light. In Jesus' name, Amen. [Celebrate Recovery
Daily Devotional by John & Johnny Baker re Psa. 107:13]
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
Be still, and know that I am God. Most Christians are
familiar with this command, but not so many take it seriously. Yet for
those who do, blessings flow like streams of living water. As these
believers sit in stillness - focusing on Me and My Word - their perception
of Me expands and their troubles shrink in importance.
I want you to share in these blessings, beloved. Take time,
take time with Me. While you rest in My Presence, I untangle your
thoughts and help you view things more biblically. Remember: My Word is a
lamp to guide your feet and a light for your path. Biblical thinking
illuminates the path before you so you can find your way.
It's crucial to know not only that I am God but that I made
you and you are Mine. You are a sheep of My pasture. Sheep have very
limited understanding of what their shepherd is doing for them, but they
follow him anyway. Similarly, as My "sheep," your job is to trust Me
and follow wherever I lead. (Psa. 46:10; Joh. 7:38; Psa. 119:105;
100:3) [Jesus Always by Sarah Young]
Spend time with Me for the pure pleasure of being in My
company. I can brighten up the dullest of gray days; I can add sparkle to
the routines of daily life. You have to repeat so many tasks day
after day. This monotony can dull your thinking until your mind slips
into neutral. A mind that is unfocused is vulnerable to the world,
the flesh, and the devil, all of which exert a downward pull on your
thoughts. As your thinking processes deteriorate, you become increasingly
confused and directionless. The best remedy is to refocus your mind and
heart on Me, your constant Companion.
Even the most confusing day opens up before you as you go
step by step with Me. My Presence goes with you wherever you go,
providing Light for your path. (Psa. 63:7, 8; 119:105) [Jesus Calling by
Sarah Young]
Relax in My healing, holy Presence. Allow Me to transform you
through this time alone with Me. As your thoughts center more and more
on Me, trust displaces fear and worry. Your mind is somewhat like a
seesaw. As your trust in Me goes up, fear and worry automatically go
down. Time spent with Me not only increases your trust; it also helps
you discern what is important and what is not.
Energy and time are precious, limited entities. Therefore,
you need to use them wisely, focusing on what is truly important. As
you walk close to Me, saturating your mind with Scripture. I will
show you how to spend your time and energy. My Word is a lamp to your
feet; My Presence is a Light for your path. (Eph. 5:15, 16; Psa.
119:105) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young]
My word is living and powerful; it is a discerner of the
thoughts and intents of the heart. Because Scripture is alive, active,
and full of Power, it can touch hearts deeply and transform lives
thoroughly. I have changed your life through the wonders of biblical truth.
My Word is continually at work in you, transforming you in the
depths of your being. The more Scripture you have in your mind and
heart, the more readily I can mold you.
Growing in grace is all about transformation - becoming more
like Me. I never change: I am the same yesterday, today, and forever.
So you are the one who needs to change - to be molded increasingly
into My likeness. This is a glorious adventure and an awesome
privilege! Yet it is also painful at times. Change always involves some
loss, and it can trigger anxiety. The remedy is to cling to My hand -
walking with Me in trusting dependence along the path I've prepared for
you. My Word is a lamp to your feet and a light for your path. (Heb.
4:12; 13:8; Rom. 8:29; Psa. 119:105) [Jesus Today by Sarah Young]
Set priorities in your life according to My will. You will
not be able to do all the things you want to do - or all the things
other people would like you to do. Setting priorities helps you make
good decisions about what gets done and what does not.
Your time and energy are limited, so you may be able to
accomplish only a small percentage of what you would like to do or feel
that you "should" do. Therefore, seek My Face and My will as you look
at the possibilities before you. Let biblical principles and
promises guide you in determining what is most important.
Being intentional in this way will help you make the best use
of your time and energy. It will also protect you from feeling
anxious or guilty about all the things you are not doing. In order to do
something well, you need to feel at peace about the many other things you
could be doing - but are not. When you have set your priorities
according to My will, you can relax and focus on accomplishing what I deem
important. As you seek to please Me above all else, you will grow more and
more into the workmanship - the masterpiece - I created you to be.
(Psa. 105:4; 119:103-105; Eph. 2:10) [Jesus Today by Sarah Young]
Let Me teach you thankfulness. Begin by acknowledging that
everything - all your possessions and all that you are - belongs to Me. The
dawning of each new day is a gift from Me, not to be taken for granted.
The earth is vibrantly alive with My blessings, giving vivid
testimony to My Presence. If you slow down your pace of life, you can find
Me anywhere.
Some of My most precious children have been laid aside in
sick beds or shut away in prisons. Others have voluntarily learned
the discipline of spending time alone with Me. The secret of being
thankful is learning to see everything from My perspective. My world is
your classroom. My Word is a lamp to your feet and a light for your
path. (Heb. 12:28, 29; Psa. 119:105) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young]
CLOSING THOUGHT
To keep a lamp burning we have to keep putting oil in it.
Mother Teresa of Calcutta [Passages Of Life SB]
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE:
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2004/20041115-0827.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2008/20080814-2255.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2011/20110530-1937.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2013/20130826-2146.html
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
Seeking God Made Real: http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES AND SEMINARS
Restoring The Power by John Bradshaw:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRogO1SxoZN15Boa7BMon4BouVMdteVaq
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: http://www.bibleresearch.info/
ABible.com: http://www.aBible.com
