Lamp to my feet

 “Your word is a lamp to my feet…” Psalm 119: 105

There are always many questions about the nature of God’s guidance and how the Word of God should be used in the context of providence. Some imagine that Bible could be used as guidance by seeking to find random verse which could be source of encouragement or a word of promise.  Some expect God to show some verses to them for clear direction. Some even use it as a spell book which could be recited to get the preferred outcome. 

 

But in this verse by describing the Word of God as a lamp, Psalmist is talking about the nature of God’s guidance to his people in different terms. Lamp is the source of light which could guide the steps. Lamp, with its oil, thread and container which holds the oil, does not represent the light it brings out but the inner mechanism which ultimately produce Light. The power of the Word and its guidance begins by first working inside us. It changes our inner being so that we develop a inner compass which would lead our way. 

 

When a person starts meditating “his law day and night” (Ps. 1: 2), the scripture gives him/her ‘wisdom,’ ‘insight’ and ‘understanding’ (Ps. 119: 98-100). This is the process of transforming the character of the person. This is not done overnight but rather in a slow fashion as meditation of the word takes place daily and the Scriptures are internalised. It develops moral compass which shows what God expects from our lives. The wisdom and insight will surely guide a person in the right path when he needs instruction most. 

 

This is an unpopular method among Christians because we normally seek a quick solution to our problems. But the guidance which is promised in the Bible is a long-term fix. Meditating the Word of God transforms us and makes us wise to make decisions. As Psalmist says, “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Ps. 119: 130). 

 

The word of God is challenging us today to meditate it daily so that we will be instructed by God and be guided by it in all our steps. Let us not seek the Word only in time of crisis and for quick solutions. But let us strive to listen the Word’s admonitions, instructions, and consolations everyday so that we will be changed and transformed to lead a life of light. 

 

A mature Christian who has the Word of God in his heart will be guided by it from inside. He is changed by the meditation of the Scripture. He knows exactly what is expected of him in every situation because of the internalised Word which lives in him/her. In this way he is guided by the Word of God in every situation of the life. Let the Word of God which is the lamp guide our feet in all the ways of our lives.