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Psalm 119:105 - Light For A Dark World.

Psalm 119:105: Light For A Dark World.  

Psalm 119:105 (KJV) Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light 
unto my path. 

INTRODUCTION

The Word of God illuminates the way so that men may walk safely 
in the spiritual darkness of this world. He who has this light to 
guide him need not stumble even though his path is beset with evil 
(see 2 Peter 1:19). [SDA Bible Commentary] 

The Bible is a map to guide us. Almost any long trip requires a 
map or guide. As we travel through life, the Bible should be our 
road map, pointing out safe routes, obstacles to avoid, and our final 
destination. We must recognize ourselves as pilgrims, travelers here on earth 
who need to study Gods map to learn the way. If we ignore the 
map, we will wander aimlessly through life and risk missing our real 
destination. [Life Application SB] 

To walk safely in the woods at night we need a light so we don't 
trip over tree roots or fall into holes. In this life, we walk 
through a dark forest of evil. But the Bible can be our light to show us 
the way ahead so we won't stumble as we walk. It reveals the 
entangling roots of false values and philosophies. Study the Bible so you 
will be able to see your way clear enough to stay on the right path. 
[Life Application SB] 

COMMENTARY

   We often find ourselves wondering if we are on the right 
path. There are times when it seems we have far more questions than 
answers. Am I going the right way? Is this working? Should I keep going, 
or should I turn around and go back? Does anyone notice how much 
I've changed?  
   When we are faced with these questions, we need to go first 
to God's Word, the Bible In the book of Psalms, we read that 
God's Word serves as a light to our feet. All of us have experienced 
times of real darkness - no flashlights, no streetlights. When we walk 
in a world full of darkness, we need a lamp to show us where to 
take our next step.  
   The Bible is that lamp. Step by step God leads us, showing us 
what to do. He may not show us his entire plan for our lives, but 
through his Word, he shows us one step at a time. The truth is, we don't 
need all the answers. Not right now anyway. Instead, we need just 
enough light for our feet.  
   Thank you, Lord, for giving me your Word to light the path 
along my journey. Help me to take one step at a time. In Jesus' name, 
Amen. [Celebrate Recovery Daily Devotional by John & Johnny Baker] 

   Many of us have experienced an interesting phenomenon. While 
we are reading God's Word, a certain verse - or maybe even just a 
word or a phrase - will suddenly come alive, as if it were printed in 
neon lights. Or a verse or passage quoted audibly will suddenly sound 
much louder than all the other words before and after. It rings in 
the depths of our spirits, as if highlighted for a specific purpose. 
It speaks directly and powerfully.  
   All of Scripture speaks to us, of course, but sometimes God 
has specific guidance or encouragement for a particular situation or 
season. When we read or listen with an open spirit - a heart that is 
ready to hear - He will magnify portions of His written Word and apply 
them directly to our lives. Psalm 119 extols the benefits of 
Scripture - its teachings revive us, keep us from sin, encourage us, show 
us His ways, and so on - but it also tells us that we can receive 
specific light for our next step. As we read the Bible, the Holy Spirit 
will often illumine His thoughts and engage us in a specific 
conversation. When we listen to the written Word, we may hear it as an inner 
voice.  
   It is futile to think of hearing God on a regular basis 
outside of Scripture, without also listening for Him within it. This is 
where He has already spoken perfectly, revealing His general, eternal 
purposes and His ways with His people. Words that were inspired long ago 
still resound as we read or listen to them now. And, if we ask - and 
sometimes even when we don't - they will jump off the page and into our 
hearts. In those moments, we will know we have heard the voice of the 
living God.  
   Father, as I come to Your Word, speak to me. Make Your words 
- specific, applicable, direct words - a lamp to guide my feet and 
a light for my path. Shine Your light very specifically on exactly 
what You want me to hear. [The One Year Hearing His Voice Devotional 
by Chris Tiegreen] 

ILLUSTRATIONS

   Driving along a two-lane mountain road at night, your 
headlights may fall on several of those yellow, diamond-shaped signs with 
black, squiggly arrows in the middle. They caution you that the road 
ahead - hidden from your sight - is about to twist and turn, following 
the contours of the mountain. But that's okay; the road will still 
get you to your destination.  
   The Bible posts many such hazard signs within its pages. 
We're reminded that the way ahead is filled with drop-offs, potholes, 
and sudden turns. Today's Scripture reads, "Your word is a lamp for 
my feet, a light on my path." You wouldn't drive that curvy 
mountain road at night without your lights on. And you don't want to race 
into the rest of your day - or your life - without the counsel, 
warnings, and illumination of God's Word.  
   Heavenly Father, without Your Word I really would be 
wandering in the dark. So many times, in so many moments, You bring the 
tight truth to my mind at precisely the right time. Your encouragement 
gets me through long afternoons when pain looms and anxieties roll in 
like fog. Thank You for lighting my path and putting a song in my 
heart. [A Spectacle of Glory by Joni Eareckson Tada and Larry Libby] 

   One of the things I struggle with on a daily basis is fear. 
It might be the fear of disappointing someone, the fear of failure, 
or the fear of making a costly mistake. I've found that when I give 
in to fear, it can cripple me and keep me from moving forward in my 
recovery as well as in my life.  
   The tricky thing is that we can't trust fear. Think about how 
fear is like the darkness. When we go into a dark room, we can't see 
a thing. Even though we might know the room well, once the lights 
are out, everything seems different. We imagine that things are 
jumping out to trip us as we shuffle around trying not to run into 
something and hurt ourselves. In reality, nothing has changed except our 
perception. The furniture is right where it was; the doors haven't moved. 
It's the same room it was with the light on. It's just that the 
darkness distorts things. 
   Fear does the same thing. It distorts our perceptions, making 
us lose our sense of reality and focus on "what ifs. Most of 
the things we fear aren't real at all; just figments of our 
imagination. When the truth comes in, it illuminates our minds, just like 
turning on the light in a dark room. Truth comes from God's Word. So why 
live in fear when we can open our Bibles and turn on the light? 
   Lord God, fill me with your truth as I read Your Word. I want 
to live in the light. In Jesus' name, Amen. [Celebrate Recovery 
Daily Devotional by John & Johnny Baker re Psa. 107:13] 

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

   Be still, and know that I am God. Most Christians are 
familiar with this command, but not so many take it seriously. Yet for 
those who do, blessings flow like streams of living water. As these 
believers sit in stillness - focusing on Me and My Word - their perception 
of Me expands and their troubles shrink in importance.  
   I want you to share in these blessings, beloved. Take time, 
take time with Me. While you rest in My Presence, I untangle your 
thoughts and help you view things more biblically. Remember: My Word is a 
lamp to guide your feet and a light for your path. Biblical thinking 
illuminates the path before you so you can find your way.  
   It's crucial to know not only that I am God but that I made 
you and you are Mine. You are a sheep of My pasture. Sheep have very 
limited understanding of what their shepherd is doing for them, but they 
follow him anyway. Similarly, as My "sheep," your job is to trust Me 
and follow wherever I lead. (Psa. 46:10; Joh. 7:38; Psa. 119:105; 
100:3) [Jesus Always by Sarah Young] 

   Spend time with Me for the pure pleasure of being in My 
company. I can brighten up the dullest of gray days; I can add sparkle to 
the routines of daily life. You have to repeat so many tasks day 
after day. This monotony can dull your thinking until your mind slips 
into neutral. A mind that is unfocused is vulnerable to the world, 
the flesh, and the devil, all of which exert a downward pull on your 
thoughts. As your thinking processes deteriorate, you become increasingly 
confused and directionless. The best remedy is to refocus your mind and 
heart on Me, your constant Companion.  
   Even the most confusing day opens up before you as you go 
step by step with Me. My Presence goes with you wherever you go, 
providing Light for your path. (Psa. 63:7, 8; 119:105) [Jesus Calling by 
Sarah Young] 

   Relax in My healing, holy Presence. Allow Me to transform you 
through this time alone with Me. As your thoughts center more and more 
on Me, trust displaces fear and worry. Your mind is somewhat like a 
seesaw. As your trust in Me goes up, fear and worry automatically go 
down. Time spent with Me not only increases your trust; it also helps 
you discern what is important and what is not.  
   Energy and time are precious, limited entities. Therefore, 
you need to use them wisely, focusing on what is truly important. As 
you walk close to Me, saturating your mind with Scripture. I will 
show you how to spend your time and energy. My Word is a lamp to your 
feet; My Presence is a Light for your path. (Eph. 5:15, 16; Psa. 
119:105) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young] 

   My word is living and powerful; it is a discerner of the 
thoughts and intents of the heart. Because Scripture is alive, active, 
and full of Power, it can touch hearts deeply and transform lives 
thoroughly. I have changed your life through the wonders of biblical truth. 
My Word is continually at work in you, transforming you in the 
depths of your being. The more Scripture you have in your mind and 
heart, the more readily I can mold you.  
   Growing in grace is all about transformation - becoming more 
like Me. I never change: I am the same yesterday, today, and forever. 
So you are the one who needs to change - to be molded increasingly 
into My likeness. This is a glorious adventure and an awesome 
privilege! Yet it is also painful at times. Change always involves some 
loss, and it can trigger anxiety. The remedy is to cling to My hand - 
walking with Me in trusting dependence along the path I've prepared for 
you. My Word is a lamp to your feet and a light for your path. (Heb. 
4:12; 13:8; Rom. 8:29; Psa. 119:105) [Jesus Today by Sarah Young] 

   Set priorities in your life according to My will. You will 
not be able to do all the things you want to do - or all the things 
other people would like you to do. Setting priorities helps you make 
good decisions about what gets done and what does not.  
   Your time and energy are limited, so you may be able to 
accomplish only a small percentage of what you would like to do or feel 
that you "should" do. Therefore, seek My Face and My will as you look 
at the possibilities before you. Let biblical principles and 
promises guide you in determining what is most important.  
   Being intentional in this way will help you make the best use 
of your time and energy. It will also protect you from feeling 
anxious or guilty about all the things you are not doing. In order to do 
something well, you need to feel at peace about the many other things you 
could be doing - but are not. When you have set your priorities 
according to My will, you can relax and focus on accomplishing what I deem 
important. As you seek to please Me above all else, you will grow more and 
more into the workmanship - the masterpiece - I created you to be. 
(Psa. 105:4; 119:103-105; Eph. 2:10) [Jesus Today by Sarah Young] 

   Let Me teach you thankfulness. Begin by acknowledging that 
everything - all your possessions and all that you are - belongs to Me. The 
dawning of each new day is a gift from Me, not to be taken for granted. 
The earth is vibrantly alive with My blessings, giving vivid 
testimony to My Presence. If you slow down your pace of life, you can find 
Me anywhere.  
   Some of My most precious children have been laid aside in 
sick beds or shut away in prisons. Others have voluntarily learned 
the discipline of spending time alone with Me. The secret of being 
thankful is learning to see everything from My perspective. My world is 
your classroom. My Word is a lamp to your feet and a light for your 
path.  (Heb. 12:28, 29; Psa. 119:105) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young] 

CLOSING THOUGHT

To keep a lamp burning we have to keep putting oil in it.  
Mother Teresa of Calcutta [Passages Of Life SB] 

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE:

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2004/20041115-0827.html

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2008/20080814-2255.html

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2011/20110530-1937.html

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2013/20130826-2146.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

Most Important Decision in Life: 
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0 

Seeking God Made Real: http://vimeo.com/31489782

Prayer Made Real: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE

LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES AND SEMINARS

Restoring The Power by John Bradshaw: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRogO1SxoZN15Boa7BMon4BouVMdteVaq 

Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: http://www.bibleresearch.info/

ABible.com: http://www.aBible.com