Psalm 119:105-112 (KJV)
105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.
107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.
109 My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.
On our way to visit family for Thanksgiving last year, we drove into a blinding rainstorm. Visibility was extremely low and traffic was barely moving. In fact, we could barely make out the brake-lights of the vehicles in front of us. All of my defensive driving skills were put to the test. Finally, when we exited the highway, and headed in a different direction, we began to get away from the storm. Visibility increased and we could resume normal speeds.
Sometimes living for God and following Him is like going through that rainstorm. That is when we need trust in God's Word all the more. His Word is a lamp and light, and will guide us through each and every storm.
However, just because I was able to get out of the rain and resume normal speeds, I still maintained a sense of urgency. Even though I could see more clearly, I still required the use of my lights. My point is that we should not only use God's Word when things go bad, but in all things - good and bad. I need God to guide me daily. I want Him to guide me daily.
Regardless of what others do, and how difficult the path may be, "I will keep thy righteous judgments." When things get tough, and even though "I am afflicted very much" I can pray, "Quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word." When I rise in the morning, all during the day, and when I lay down at night, I ask the Lord to "Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments."
Even though "my soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law." You see, "the wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts." O' Lord, "thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end."
You see, all you have to do is interject yourself into these verses. I know things get rough. I know the way is narrow. I know you feel all alone. Guess what? I'm a pastor and there are times that I feel all alone. There are times when I feel like no one knows where I am or what I'm going through. But, then I read through the Word of God and realize I'm not alone.
Horatio Spafford felt as if God Himself didn't even know how he felt, yet in the midst of great tragedy - the loss of his children at sea - he penned these words, "When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well, with my soul."
I am convinced that if you remove the tragedy and trial from the great heroes of faith, you will also remove the great triumph they experienced also. I want to be led by God, even if it means being led through painful experiences. I trust Him wholly. I will not waiver in my faith just because the path is rough and my companions few. Like Job, I will maintain my integrity and not charge God foolishly, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." I may not be able to feel God on the right or left, in front or in back of me, but I know that He knows where I am. I also know that when I come forth, I shall come forth as gold tried in the fire. In other words, I will be purified by God's Word.
How can I sleep peacefully at night? Because I trust in His Word. How can I live in this world filled with crime and immorality? Because I trust in His Word. God's Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Regardless of how dark the night, I know that the morning comes!
It was at midnight that Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises. It was in the twilight that the four lepers decided to get up and go to the camp of the Syrians. The study of both "midnight" and "twilight" shows that these times were the darkest times. This is both literal and figurative. If you're weeping during this dark time, realize that JOY COMETH IN THE MORNING, and the morning will come!
Don't be afraid to be led by God. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will never lead you astray. Even though you might feel confused and frustrated, and your own visibility limited, remember, His Word is the lamp and light and His Word never fails. NEVER!
