Light Directs Our Lives

Chuckle: Reporters interviewing a 104-year-old woman: "And what do you think is the best thing about being 104?" the reporter asked. She replied, "No peer pressure."

Quote: "The greatest thing in the world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are moving." --Oliver Wendell Holmes

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. I have taken an oath and confirm it, that I will follow your righteous laws" (Psalm 119:105-106 NIV).

God's Word, as the Light for our paths, is valuable to us in many ways. In Psalm 119, the psalmist reveals several life-changing benefits from making God's Word the center of your daily life and letting God direct your life.

1. The Bible stresses obedience. A lamp is for night; however, light shines in the day as well. The psalmist's has made a choice and has taken God’s Word as his guide to point his feet down the path of righteousness. "I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow (obey) your righteous laws" (vs.106). The light that illuminates our path and gives us direction also is the lamp that illuminates our next step. God's Word does not unroll the whole map of life before us at once, but reveals it to us one step at a time as we remain obedient to its instructions. Thus by day and by night the Word exerts its light-giving influence. He that uses it faithfully learns where to set his foot as he walks along treacherous path of this life. He need not stumble or fall.

2. The Bible is our strength in difficult times (vs. 107). "I have suffered much; preserve my life, O Lord according to your Word." The psalmist was suffering from affliction and resulting depression -- a common combination. Where could he go for help? Only one solution came to him; he would go to God's Word - where else? His affliction came from the outside and he was the object of persecution by a number of powerful and influential enemies. However, God's Word lifted his thoughts to the One who was mightier than all his foes. God's Word fortifies our hearts and souls and revives us. It deals with anxiety, guilt, and depression; with inhibitions and fear; and all the other negative feelings that torture us within. Almost in the same breath, as he praises God for what His Word has done for him, he prays that he may learn still more of its priceless treasure.

3. The Bible shows us what offerings are pleasing to God (vs.108). "Accept, O Lord, the willing praise of my mouth." The psalmist asks God to accept an offering, the praise of his mouth. He had rare insight into God's Word, and understood that there was much more to worship than offering a sacrificial bull or a goat and shedding its blood. The most important offering to God emanates from our hearts and results in expressions of praise from our lips, followed by acts of love, service, and other offerings. "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your spiritual act of worship" (Romans 12:1 NIV).

Love, Jerry & Dotse