Thy Word

The Bible has always been a part of my life. From an early age I used ‘Scripture Union Bible Readings’ – a few verses to be read each day. On all of their literature was, ‘Open thou mine eyes that I might behold wondrous things out of thy law’  Psalm 119:18. I learnt that Psalm 119 was the longest Psalm (176 verses… a fact that sometimes came up in quizzes…)

In 1984 Amy Grant and Michael W Smith wrote a song about another verse from Psalm 119 ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.’ (Psalm 119:105)

Thy Word
Is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path

When I feel afraid
Think I’ve lost my way
Still You’re there
Right beside me

Nothing will I fear
As long as You are near
Please be near me to the end

I’ve heard the text preached on… The importance of God’s word, for instruction, guidance, correction… The Bible is God’s word… The Bible as the Maker’s instruction manual… Jesus comes as The Word made flesh… Light is needed in a dark world… The lamp for the feet shows where the next step should be taken… The light for the path shines further ahead on life’s journey…

Thy Word
Is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path

I will not forget
Your love for me and yet
My heart forever is wandering

Jesus be my guide
And hold me to Your side
And I will love You to the end

The song makes the verse and the truth personal. It’s not facts from an instruction manual to learn or points from a sermon to remember. It’s about an ever-present relational God who can be involved in my life – calming fears, guiding through uncertainty, shining loving light through mistakes and failure.

Nothing will I fear
As long as You are near
Please be near me to the end

Thy Word
Is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path

It’s not a song I can sing lightly. It’s a statement of faith, that I believe in God’s word. It’s a personal prayer that His lamp will shine on each step today. It’s a promise, a commitment to stay close to the God who will provide his light to my path.