A New Vision - The Lamp & Searchlight For Your Darkness

02-Jan-2022
Peter W. Guess

faith in god, god's word, god guidance

Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path. Psalms 119:105 (CSB)

Whenever I think of these words and the song with a link and lyrics below (Michael W. Smith & Amy Grant), I sort of separate the "lamp" and the "light".

Let me explain what comes to my mind and why this has really helped me about the guidance of God. By the way I am not saying my explanation is theologically accurate, anyway much theology is not science... it is far above science... What I want is for the Holy Spirit another counsellor) to reveal the mysteries in God’s Word.

THE LAMP

This conjures up the image of an old lantern hanging at the feet. It provides enough light to see the immediate area around your legs to ensure you don't trip and fall. Let’s call this the short-range, localised light on my way.

THE [SEARCH]LIGHT

However, we need more than the lamp. We need the power and range of a searchlight to provide vision ahead and to break into the darkness and show the way ahead. This is our need for a long-range view.

The Word of God provides both the immediate guidance for day-to-day guidance with clarity and vision for the future.

For our New Year, let's give God time and dive deep into the Word to allow God to illuminate everything in our lives and unveil His purposes - with the promises to provide courage and faith for the journey.

Am I apprehensive to see God's plan for my life? Sure, sometimes I hesitate due to my uncertainty and lack of faith that God loves me. I often question if He wants the best for me - and the best that fits me.

Jesus made sure we understood this in Matthew 11:28-30. Jesus invites us into His light... His path...

"Come to me all of you who are tired. You are like people who have worked for a long time. You are like people who have carried heavy things.

Come to me. If you do that, you will find a place to rest. Do what I teach you to do. Listen to my message and learn from me what is true. I am very kind and I do not make myself important. I will help you. Then you will have peace in your mind.

I will not tell you to do things that are too difficult. I will not tell you to carry anything that is too heavy for you." Matthew 11:28-30 MSG

APPLICATION

In closing, focus on daily food and stamina to get through 2022, but look beyond and see Jesus coming to establish His reign, with the New Earth and New Heaven.

Alternative versions for today's key verse in Psalms

"Your word is like a lamp that shines as my guide. It shows me the right way to live." Psalms 119:105 EASY

"Truth’s shining light guides me in my choices and decisions; the revelation of your Word makes my pathway clear." Psalms 119:105 TPT

"By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back from living by your righteous order.

Everything’s falling apart on me, God; put me together again with your Word. Adorn me with your finest sayings, God; teach me your holy rules.

My life is as close as my own hands, but I don’t forget what you have revealed. The wicked do their best to throw me off track, but I don’t swerve an inch from your course.

I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever— what a gift! And how happy it makes me! I concentrate on doing exactly what you say— I always have and always will." Psalms 119:105-112 MSG

The Song & Lyrics

"Thy Word" by Michael W. Smith & Amy Grant

Co-written by Amy and Michael

Song on YouTube: https://youtu.be/d1LSyRwNA_A

 

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet

And a light unto my path

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet

And a light unto my path

 

When I feel afraid,

And 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

 

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet

And a light unto my path

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 by my guide

And hold me to your side

And I will love you to the end

 

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

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet

And a light unto my path

And a light unto my path

You're the light unto my path

Writer/s: Amy Lee Grant, Michael Whitaker Smith

Publisher: Warner Chappell Music, Inc., DistroKid, Integrity Music

Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

 

Alternative versions for today's key verse in Psalms

"Your word is like a lamp that shines as my guide. It shows me the right way to live." Psalms 119:105 EASY

"Truth’s shining light guides me in my choices and decisions; the revelation of your Word makes my pathway clear." Psalms 119:105 TPT

"By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back from living by your righteous order.

     Everything’s falling apart on me, God; put me together again with your Word. Adorn me with your finest sayings, God; teach me your holy rules.

     My life is as close as my own hands, but I don’t forget what you have revealed. The wicked do their best to throw me off track, but I don’t swerve an inch from your course.

     I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever— what a gift! And how happy it makes me! I concentrate on doing exactly what you say— I always have and always will." Psalms 119:105-112 MSG