“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Psalms 119:105
Here in South Africa, every now and then, we have something called load shedding. There’s insufficient power for the whole country, so at certain times, our power is completely switched off. This conserves what little electricity we do have. During load-shedding, nothing is more sought after than a light or something that helps us see and judge what is happening around us. In the same way, we live in a world that is filled with sin and darkness, but fortunately, we have been given a spiritual torch (flashlight) to fight the darkness. In Psalm 119, we see countless references to this torch, also known as the Word of God.
Breaking it down
In this world, we are told to be different and strive to be as sinless as possible. But now, our entire physical nature is one of sin and anti-God. We are unable to fight sin on our own, so how can God ask this of us? Well, the Psalmist had the same question and found the answer. In Psalms 119:9, we are told that the only way a young man can keep his way pure is by guarding it according to the law (also known as God’s Word. Then verse 11 says, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” The Word of God is the perfect tool for us to measure up to. We are told to be in the Bible and memorize it, and this will help us fight against sin. When temptation comes kicking at our door, we should not distance ourselves from God and His Word but draw near, and through it, we will be able to fight that sin.
The Word of the Lord not only helps us fight our sins but also gives us both life and strength. In verse 25 the Psalmist says, “My soul clings to the dust, give me life according to your word.” The Psalmist is in a place of complete despair. He is so low that all he can cling to is dust. But what can bring him from this place of despair? Can he do anything to help himself? No, the one thing that saves him is the Word of God. It restores his life and allows him to carry on. He also says later on that his soul is melting from sorrow, and his strength is restored by nothing but the Word of God (Psalms 119:28.)
We all go through times of doubt and hopelessness when we feel like nothing we do is good enough or we have nothing left to live for. Yet, once again, the answer is found in nowhere but the Word of God. Verse 49-52 of the same chapter says, “Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. The insolent utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from your law. When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort in, O Lord.” The Word of the Lord is our source of comfort and protection from the insolent. So once again, in times of despair, do not separate yourself from the Lord. Draw near to Him and he will help you.
Live it out!
These are just a few of the incredible promises we are given in the chapter. I encourage you to read the full passage, and I pray that you will find much comfort in His Word. We are not left in this world to fend for ourselves but are given light, strength, hope, and peace in times of need. What a blessing it is to always have the Word of God available.