Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. – Psalm 119:105
For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life, – Proverbs 6:23
The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. – Psalm 119:130
For most of last month, I meditated on the scripture in Psalm 119:105. I cannot say how and why I ended up focusing on that scripture but I just couldn’t shift it. It stuck to my mind like superglue. Perhaps God knew that I was about to enter a season where I would really have to rely on the light and the lamp.
The revelation I got from meditating on the scripture is quite a simple one. However, if applied with all diligence and honesty, the results could transform your life for the better.
The scripture tells us that His word is a lamp unto our feet. What does this really mean in practical terms? I believe this refers to the Rhema word of God. It’s that word that comes alive in your heart despite having read it thousands of times before that moment of illumination. The lamp is that word that comes from God to give you a specific direction to follow when you don’t know what step to take next. If life is like walking across a field littered with landmines, then God’s Rhema word is like the detector light that shows you which path to avoid and which one to take at every step along the way.
How is the word a light to my path? I believe this refers to the logos, the written word of God. The light unto your path refers to the general direction that the word of God steers your life to follow. For example, the bible tells us not to murder. We know in general terms that murder is unacceptable to God and we steer clear of it. The challenge some people have with the logos is that they say it is not applicable to their situation. For example, the bible does not specifically mention masturbation. There is no explicit guidance on whether or not to masturbate. This is where the importance of the Rhema word of God comes alive. The Spirit suddenly explodes a scripture in your mind and you know without a shadow of a doubt that God has just ministered to your spirit with a specific instruction on what you should do about masturbation.
It is all well and good coming face to face with the unlimited power packed within both the logos and Rhema word of God but without obedience, the whole exercise is pointless. The power always lies in obeying His commands and teachings. That is what brings light into any dark situation you may find yourself in.
May His light keep us from stumbling around in the dark and hurting ourselves in the process.
Related articles
- A Guiding Light (cbnindiablogs.wordpress.com)
- Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet and a Light to My Path ebook (oebryie.typepad.com)
- Psalm 119:105 (delriochristianchurch.wordpress.com)
Hi Watchman, heavy subject but needed, we remember Jesus is The Living Word and without His Light we do not understand the Scriptures which is what he explained to the Pharisees and we can’t have His Light while ever we continue to sin, only as a rebuke, the flesh condemns. It is interesting although not known by many that the Scriptures do refer to masturbation although with it being a modern word it only describes the act and the sin of it, the same with Homosexuality and it also describes D.N.A, Dinosaurs, the Rapture, The Trinity, the real Church of God etc
We are not to masturbate and that is both male and female, it is a fleshy act based on self gratification and leads to addiction and so then Satan has a foothold. When we are Married our bodies also belong to each other and we are not to deny each other so that Satan can tempt us.
Christian Love from both of us – Anne
Hi Anne. Sorry I’ve been missing in action for some time. Thanks as always for contributing richly to our discussions on the blog. I agree with you in saying that although the bible does not explicitly mention many things with the modern terminologies we are used to, it does make very clear reference to the heart of the matter or the crux of the sin. No one can have any excuses about any particular sin not being mentioned in the bible, when they stand before the throne of God. We also have the Spirit guiding us from within. No excuses at all. Thanks Anne
Thank you for this, Chidi! It’s really great. Part of the liturgy today is this Gospel passage:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal.
For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be.” Matt. 6:19-23
Let us consider God and HIs precious Word our greatest treasure! Let us hold unswervingly to Him and listen only to His voice. He is faithful. He is with us telling us, “This is the way. Walk in it.” Lord, I ask you to rid us of “treasure” that not only doesn’t last but also destroys us. Purify us. Let your Spirit and your Word be our Guide with every step. In Jesus’ name – Amen.
Hi Natalie. Sorry for the late reply. I went AWOL for a season. May our eyes be sound and may our whole bodies be filled with light. I say a big amen to your prayer Natalie. Thanks again
Thank you so much for your prayer. I ask the same for you – Lord, let Chidi be flooded with your Spirit, so that he shines ever brighter and many are drawn to you through him as they see you in him. We are purified through obedience. I ask that you purify his heart as you help him obey with each step. In your mighty name, Jesus. Amen.
Thanks so much Natalie. What a prayer.
Thanks dear, a very on-the-point message. . . .”but without obedience, the whole exercise is pointless. The power always lies in obeying His commands and teachings. That is what brings light”. . . That IS most important to know. A world of diffference seeing it written out, now one really has no excuse not to understand!!
Hi ChiChi. Sorry for the late reply. I disappeared off the radar for a short while. Thanks as always for reading and commenting. Obedience really is key to opening up a dynamic relationship with God. Especially what I call costly obedience, the kind of obedience that is real painful and counter-intuitive. He said He prefers it to our sacrifice. Thanks again dear
Thanks for the post Watchman. Never understood the terms Rhema and Logos until now, all makes sense now.
You are so right, Obedience is the key. Remember that song……..Trust and Obey, for there is no other way, to be happy……………
Anyway, lovely post.
God bless
Thanks Nnamdi. We sang that song as children, oblivious to what it really stands for. After 5 years of walking with the Lord, I completely agree with the song. There is no other way to happiness than a dynamic intimate relationship with God that leads to trust and results in obedience. It’s all intertwined. Thanks bro
Last evening at my Christian writer’s group, we discussed many topics and scripture including Psalm 119:105. One member told of these little oil lamps, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. These lamps were once attached to sandals when walking at night giving just enough light to put one foot in front of the other.
Keep the Faith!
Wow! I didn’t even know those existed. That gives me a very practical application of this biblical truth. Thanks so much for sharing this insight Karin. God bless
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