Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.

We sing this familiar Scripture to at least three different musical settings in this church, and that’s good, but that still doesn’t mean we grasp all this simple verse means. When I read it just now, with the following verses, at first I didn’t see why the passage as a whole was in the readings for “freedom” (even though I chose the readings several years ago). Then the Lord pointed out to me that when you can’t see, your freedom is greatly limited. Those with visual problems speak of this issue, but those with normal vision have trouble grasping it. The same situation holds spiritually, but there we are all too often unaware that we can’t see! I frequently speak of the Bible as “the instruction manual for human beings,” and that’s apt, and more than just a metaphor. I wonder sometimes how people who don’t accept the Bible, or even who just leave it on their shelf, get through life at all! God doesn’t want us wandering blindly, because as Jesus said, that can lead to disaster. (Matthew 15:14) However, those whom He accused as “blind guides” were actually very familiar with the words of Scripture, they just hadn’t let the Author speak those words to their hearts. (Matthew 23:16, 24) The Bible isn’t light to us until we accept it as God’s Word, with the help of the Holy Spirit who wrote it.

I grew up steeped in the Bible, but really walking in its light has been something I’ve had to learn over the years. It has been commented that I’m addicted to the Bible, and I certainly hope that’s true. I’ve still got room to grow in applying it fully, because life gets complicated at times, and I don’t have the whole Bible on “instant recall.” My focus needs to be on maintaining fellowship with God through the Holy Spirit, so that He can bring the Word to life in my heart and mind. If I will do that, then I will be able to share the Word with others effectively, which is my desire and my joy, for their blessing and the glory of God.

Father, thank You for the amazing privilege of sharing Your Word with others. Keep me from failing to be obedient personally to what You speak through me, because that would be a total sham. (James 1:22, 1 Corinthians 9:27) Help me indeed walk in the light, as You are in the light, (1 John 1:7) so that I may guide others effectively and above all, be pleasing to You, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!