A Light for Our Path

Have you ever been lost in the dark? on a moonless night, no torch, not even a box of matches?

A few years ago I had a pterygium removed in the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. This was the specialist’s second go at it - it had recurred in six months. There was a young man in the ward - possibly late 20s or early 30s. A piece of metal had lodged in one of his eyes at work. The sight of that eye couldn’t be saved. Most people in the ward had an eye pad, but he was particularly sad - "My little light has gone out!"

"Light" and "sight" go together. We are designed to be creatures of the light. Those blind from an early age develop other faculties remarkably well to compensate. Science has developed "night goggles," enabling the wearer to "see" at night using the low levels of ambient light. The army has found them useful, though still not a match for daylight.

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. In the Hebrew it is an acrostic poem, with eight verses in each section starting with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet - that’s 176 verses! (Our English versions have noted this with the name of the relevant Hebrew letter at the head of each section.) All of the sections include the same six words (with two repeats) which all speak of God’s revelation of his will for us. In vv. 105-112 we have "word," "righteous laws," "laws," "precepts," "statutes," "decrees," with "word" and "law" repeated.

The Psalm is very much about knowing which way to go in life. It can be all so very confusing - even more so in our present age when people have thrown out all the rule books so they can make whatever choices please them.

When we buy a new car, we make sure it is serviced according to the manufacturer’s specifications. We have more respect for our car than we do for our lives! Our Maker has revealed principles for human living - principles that we neglect at our peril. One of those principles is the necessity for - and an invitation to - a relationship with himself. The Psalmist writes, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (v. 108).

Do you ever feel "lost in the dark," decisions to make and no certain direction? I’m not suggesting we can avoid making decisions and taking responsibility. But there is a rule-book and we do have guidelines.

Even with some of the complex new ethical issues which current research and technology have placed before us, we may not have specific instructions, but we aren’t "in the dark" all the same!

And many people out there - young as well as old - are feeling very lost and confused. Some complain the solution is so simple as to be "simplistic." Yet... the word of God (the Bible) and prayer are still the true means of sure direction and solid comfort.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Those are words to remember - for ourselves and for others.

Here are two of the sayings of Jesus. "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (Jn 8.12). "You are the light of the world... In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Mt 5.14-16).

Jesus is the light. He calls us to shine his light wherever we go.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, it’s dark down here! Many are discouraged and fearful. They have lost their way. They aren’t sure which way to turn. And yes, Lord, we find it dark too - whenever we forget that your word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Help us to read your word so we can stay on track each day. You are with us, but help us to keep in touch with you in prayer. You are the Light of the world. Help us to shine your light into the lives of others today. We come in your name, Amen.

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