My toddler does not like to enter a room without the light being on during the night. If he knows he is heading to a room that is dark, he asks us as his parents to turn on the light. Because I greatly care for my son, I do. In one of the those instances it occurred to me that the Lord cares for me in a greater, yet similar manner. Just as my son needed the light to enter the room, we need the light to see the path we are on so our feet will not stray but will stay on the right path. God’s Word does that for us. It is described as a lamp and a light that gives guidance toward the path of righteousness (vv 105-106). This lamp and loight of God’s Word does not mean the path won’t be hard or come without pain. There will be health struggles and relational strains in thsi life. However, if one lives according to God’s Word, they will find light as the light of God’s Word shows them home is in a relationship with God, not ultimately in their health. The relational conflict they face find a solution in the gospel as it exposes the source of our conflicts as our own sinful hearts and the solution as a humble and repentant heart only made possible by the power of the gospel of God’s grace. Yet, in the midst of those challenges, our eyes may veer from the path. That is why the psalmist’s words are necessary: we need the Lord’s instruction (v. 108) and we need to not forget His law and what He has said (v. 109). We will face opposition from the outside and temptation from the insider, so we must live in the light and recount the testimonies of God at work and a heart that desires to draw close to God. We do that by remaining in the Word, the Word that is our lamp and light.

Reflection Questions:

1. What is an area of your life where you currently need guidance from God’s Word?
2. How can you recount the testimonies of God at work in your life this week?