Happy and Blessed - Pt. 15

 

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules. I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word! Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord, and teach me your rules. I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law. The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts. Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart. I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end. (Psalm 119:105-112 ESV).

 

Have you ever been in a truly dark place, where you were afraid that even a single move could be tragic for you or your loved ones? Space Mountain, at Disneyworld’s Magic Kingdom is one of those places in my memory. Totally enclosed in a sprawling futuristic structure, Space Mountain is one of Magic Kingdom’s largest and fastest attractions. The theme is based on a flight through the darkest reaches of outer space. You board a sleek, rocket-shaped vehicle and when all systems are ‘go’ the coaster ascends a 180-foot mountain and drops into remote blackness. Shooting stars and galactic music fill the void as you dip and careen around in the dark. If I were to return there now, that attraction would be one of my “you go ahead, I’ll wait for you outside” kind of rides!

 

I was reminded of this experience after reading our portion of Psalm 119 today. We live in a spiritually dark world where our souls are often in peril. Our journey is often through the darkness with unexpected drops and turns along the way. The psalmist declares that God’s Word is a light for our path for living in this dark world.

 

The psalmist vows to use God’s Word to shine a light on his path. He’s not suggesting that God’s Word shines a light on the future, as if he could sneak a peek into events that would take place tomorrow or next year. He is saying that God’s Word helps him to understand our next step as we faces choices today. He is saying God’s Word teaches the meaning of obedience so that we can live confidently for God in his world each day.

 

Like the psalmist, we too need God’s Word to guide our steps. Only God’s Word can correctly inform us about the meaning of right and wrong. And the truth is, the more deeply steeped we are in God’s Word, the more clearly we can discern right from wrong and choose the right path. In some places you walk today, you may need a flashlight. But in every place you go, you will need God’s Word as a lamp for your feet and a light for your path.