Sunday, March 8, 2009

A Lamp Unto My Feet

“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Until recently, I used the same desk lamp I took with me to college in 1979. When that last bulb finally burned out, I was unable to replace it. Much to my sorrow, I had to retire my “vintage” lamp.

However, until I had an opportunity to go shopping, I worked awhile without a light directly illuminating my desk. I didn’t think it would be a problem; after all, I still had the ceiling light.

But it was a problem. You see, since my desk is situated in a corner of the room, the light from the ceiling fell behind me, casting a shadow over my work. I found myself straining to see well and frustrated by this lack of clarity.

I needed the light in its proper place—before me—to illuminate what I was doing.

This is what it’s like for me on days when I choose to put the Lord “on the back burner.” I think, I’ll make time for the Word later on, and I stumble through my day without clear direction, oftentimes accomplishing nothing or running into problems I might have avoided had I first sought His direction.

The Lord loves us, and He loves spending time with us, but He’s not like that screaming toddler at your knees demanding your attention. He’s not like your angry boss watching the clock to make sure you arrive on time. He’s not that unfinished project nagging you to finish it. He waits patiently, and if we choose to go on our way in darkness, tripping and falling over life’s obstacles, then I’m sure He’s sorry for us, but after all, we didn’t seek His advice. . . .

When I work, I like a well-lit workspace; I don’t like straining to see what I’m doing. To go through any day, I need to start first by being in God’s Word, which lights my way and helps me see clearly the path before me.

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