Last week I read Psalm 119. I paused at ‘Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.’ These are words I’ve known for years. I remembered the old Amy Grant song:
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’m struck again by the simplicity of the song: God’s Word is a lamp to my feet, shining light on each step I take in life – today’s potholes, bends in the road, people I’m travelling with… It’s a light to my path – the bigger picture of the road ahead – what’s coming up ahead of me, the countryside I’m travelling through, the road signs to inform or warn…
I remember that, for the Psalmist, the scriptures were God’s Word; I read the Bible constantly, learning, understanding, discerning truth… I remember too that Jesus came as ‘The Word’, Gid’s communication with man. I study Him, seek to understand His words and actions… His life, death and resurrection…
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
Reflecting on these words again, I’m struck by how personal ‘Thy Word’ is. It’s not some dry theology or dead religion. It’s about a God who is there with me constantly, loving me when I wander away from the path I should follow, protecting me when I’m in danger, giving me confidence when I’m fearful.
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
I look back on many years when God’s Word has shone light – particularly when my path has been uncertain… Leaving home, starting work, getting married, becoming a father, taking on responsibilities… I’ve known the lamp to my feet and the light to my path.
In more recent years there has been retirement, stepping back from responsibilities, discerning the path I am to take. There have been surprises and uncertainties… The last ten years have been as tough as any.
As I look forward my path remains uncertain… seeing folks my age travelling with burdens… attending a number of funerals this year…
I’ve heard ‘Thy Word’ many times in the past. This time I’ve noticed the line ‘Please be near me to the end.’ I’ve stopped. And prayed.
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