P119C – Day 105

Gentle Reader,

Today’s Verse:

“ Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.”- Psalm 119:105

Point to Ponder:

This is one of the most famous and oft-memorized verses of Scripture. I wonder, however, if we really grasp it’s meaning. If I really grasp it’s meaning. Let us consider these words of commentary from Charles Spurgeon:

“We are walkers through the city of this world, and we are often called to go out into its darkness. Let us never venture there without the light-giving Word, lest we slip with our feet.”

This idea has a double meaning for me. Let us not go anywhere without Christ, the Word Made Flesh, and let us not go anywhere without His words. Let us not step out of His light, His will or His boundaries.

“Each man should use the word of God personally, practically, and habitually, that he may see his way, and see what lies in it. When darknesssettles down upon all around me, the word of the Lord, like a flaming
torch, reveals my way.”

I can tell you without hesitation that God and His truth has been and will continue to be the things that pull me out of this pit of depression and anxiety. The pit may always be there. It may dog my heels forever. I don’t know. What I do know – what I am beginning to believe – is that the Lord is infinitely compassionate. He will not leave us to suffer if we but cry out to Him. 

“Having no fixed lamps in eastern towns, in old time each passenger carried a lantern with him, that he might not fall into the open sewer, or stumble over the heaps of ordure which defiled the road. This is a true picture of our path through this dark world: We should not know the way, or how to walk in it, if Scripture, like a blazing flambeau,
did not reveal it.”

We have a choice each day: stumble in the darkness or walk in the light. I’ve seen the blind and falling. I’ve been the blind and falling. It is safer and, dare I say it?, happier to live within the light of God.

“One of the most practical benefits of Holy Writ is guidance in the acts of daily life. It is not sent to astound us with its brilliance, but to guide us by its instruction. It is true the head needs illumination, but even more the feet need direction, else head and feet may both fall into a ditch. Happy is the man who personally appropriates God’s word, and practically uses it as his comfort and counselor – a lamp to his feet. It is a lamp by night, a light by day, and a delight at all times.. .He who walks in darkness is sure, sooner or later, to stumble; while he who walks by the light of day, or by the lamp of night, stumbleth not, but keeps his uprightness.”

God’s truth enables us to live with dignity and integrity. Having debased myself quite often on the altar of public opinion; having thrown away my dignity for a fleeting sense of approval from another human soul; having sacrificed my integrity for acceptance, I cling now tenaciously to this Divine hand. God would have us walk upright and with confidence. Who else would have us do so?

“Ignorance is painful upon practical subjects; it breeds indecision and suspense, and these are uncomfortable.”

Ignorance, willful or otherwise, is not bliss.

“The word of God, by imparting heavenly knowledge, leads to decision, and when that is followed by determined resolution, as in this case, it brings with it great restfulness of heart.” 

Consciously deciding to trust the Lord with my welfare has been the best choice I’ve made recently. Generalized Anxiety Disorder and OCD are oppressive. The fear sucks the life out of any situation. It is impossible to breathe easy. Today I know the restfulness of hear that comes with resolving to believe and obey God. Do I take medication? Yes. Do I see a counselor? Yes. That is part of the believing and the trusting, for He uses many means to bring about healing.

“This verse converses with God in adoring and yet familiar tones. Have we not something of like tenor to address to our heavenly Father?”

God is Daddy. He holds me, His precious little girl, His wayward little sheep, close to His heart. I can hear it beating.

He is my guide.

Grace and peace to you,