God’s Word: A Lamp & Light

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
The Bible is the true, authoritative, inerrant, infallible, inspired Word of God. It’s the Word that God Himself has given to us. Why did He give it to us? God gave us His Word to give us what the light of nature, and the works creation and providence could not. God gave us His Word to give us that knowledge of Himself and His will, which is necessary unto salvation. He gave His Word to reveal Himself to us, as well as to preserve and spread the truth. God also gave it to establish, build up, and comfort His people against the world, the flesh, and the Devil. (Westminster Confession of Faith 1.1)

In Psalm 119, King David, praises God for His wondrous work and wonderful Word. David goes on and on about his love for God’s law, as well as his desire to keep His precepts, statutes, and commands. David delighted in the Word. In verse 105, David proclaims one of the reasons for that- it serves as a needed and helpful lamp and a light.

As with David, God’s Word is essential and invaluable in our lives as, among other things, it serves as guide for us. It shows us what’s wrong, sinful, evil and dangerous out there. Scripture warns us of such paths, as well as those walking in them. It shows us Jesus and directs us in the way He has taught us to go. The Word dispels the darkness and clearly reveals the straight path. The command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life (Proverbs 6:23). The light of God’s truth clearly illumines not only the way, but the particular steps we need to take in that way as well.

Of what value is God’s Word in your life? Do you feed yourself with it daily? Does it sit on your table or bookshelf unopened until Sunday? I encourage you keep your Bible open and dust free. Don’t be satisfied with stumbling and fumbling in life like you’re walking down a dimly lit road. Rather, highly value, delight in, and read the Word every day like David did. Shine the bright lamp of the Word on your steps. Keep it in your heart and in practice in your life, that you would grow and walk in a manner that is pleasing to God!