GOD’S WORD TO WALK GOD’S WAY

“YOUR WORD is a lamp to MY FEET and a light to MY PATH” – Psalm 119:105

It takes knowing GOD’S WORD to WALK IN GOD’S WAY: “YOUR WORD is a lamp to MY FEET and a light to MY PATH” (Psa.119:105). God has blessed us with His Word: to have our feet lightened and our life’s path illuminated. In order to live according to God’s Will, we first have to know how He has called us to live – His Ways. In order to know that, we cannot rely on our own fleshly thinking or human philosophy; we must hear what the Bible says. God’s Word reveals His Way. His Word guides our feet to not falter, fail or fall. His Words enlighten and illuminate our Paths to not slip, slide, or veer into error.

The underlying theme of Psalm 119 is the idea of understanding God’s Word. The writer assures that people who follow God are blameless (Psalm 119:3). The thrust is to create a desire to follow God better as we live by His precepts. Verse 105 specifically embodies the direction, guidance, and wisdom that come from reading, studying, and meditating in the Bible. The verse also reveals a vital truth: to live as a Believer and Follower of Christ is to live out God’s Word prudently, practically and perfectly. The phrase “Your word is a lamp to my feet” is a figurative statement meant to emphasize the direction that comes from following God’s instruction. Reliance on God’s Word is the only way to successfully walk in His Way.

Lamps create light for visibility, movement and activity. The Hebrew word for lamp in this context is more equivalent to the subtle light of a candle. This implies limited visibility of the surrounding area. With just enough light to navigate through life, God by His Word gives us the direction that we need, not all at once, but as required. In preceding verses, the writer expressed his love for God’s Word and his passion to meditate in it (v.97). He highlighted the benefits derived from the Word and his commitment to keep it (vv.98-102). God’s Word provides sweetness and safety (vv.103-104). In the verses following, he desires that God teach him (v.108). God’s Word operating as a lamp releases wisdom into our hearts and minds.

God’s Word is also likened to Light on a path – the Pathway is Life. Abiding in His Word in every instance creates a more fulfilling life. Walking in the Light prevents straying into the ways of the wicked (v.110). God’s Word is a lamp and light, helping us to navigate life’s pathway. God does not fully reveal the future with the lamp. Our prosperity in living by His Word is not contingent upon how much of the path ahead we can see, but on our consistent closeness with Him. He gives us enough illumination to be in step with Him on Life’s Journey. If we can focus on loving God and obeying His Word, then we will have more fulfilled lives. The Bible offers wisdom to help us live according to God’s commandment and instructions.

The Word of God illuminates the way so that we can walk safely in the spiritual darkness of this world. Whoever has this light as guide, need not stumble even though the path is beset with evil barriers or satanic stumbling blocks. Almost any long trip requires a compass, map, or guide. The Bible is our life-map and destiny-compass. As we travel through life, God’s Word shows us the way, pointing out safe routes, obstacles to avoid, and our final destination. We are as pilgrims and travellers here on earth (1Pet.2:11-12). We need to learn on the Way and be guided through uncharted courses. If we ignore the lamp or the light – the map, we may wander aimlessly through life and risk missing our real destination.

The Bible is the light that shows us the way ahead so we won't stumble in destiny. It reveals the entangling roots of deception. As we abide in the Light of God’s Word, we would be able to see our way clear enough to stay on the right path.