Worship for the Weekday
Wednesday, April 14, 2004
  Continuing devotional on the Word of God
Psalm 119:105-112

105. Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 106. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to observe thy righteous ordinances. 107. I am sorely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to thy word! 108. Accept my offerings of praise, O Lord, and teach me thy ordinances. 109. I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget thy law. 110. The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from thy precepts. 111. Thy testimonies are my heritage for ever; yea, they are the joy of my heart. 112. I incline my heart to perform thy statutes for ever, to the end.

Verse 105 is probably familiar as the words to a hymn we sing in church. I love that sentence and heard on the radio someone describing what this means. The lamp lights what is directly in front of you – so you don’t trip; the light (think of a flashlight!) illuminates the path ahead so that you don’t take a wrong turn. Without God’s word, we are simply groping in the darkness of this world.

This psalmist relies completely and absolutely on God’s word and His promises to those who keep His word. He affirms that God’s “testimonies” are his “heritage for ever.” God’s law is more important to him than family ties, or man’s approval. They become his past and will remain with him into his future.

Throughout this psalm the young priest recites how he is afflicted by those who strive to bring him down. But the tone is not one of whining or complaining—rather it is a complete acceptance and humble admission that he is powerless without God; alone and unprotected without the love and promises of God.

I picture this young man with a sweet, charming smile, face illumined by his love and devotion to God and yet, a barely detectable twinge of sadness at the corner of his eyes because of his limited, human capacity to achieve perfection in this life, despite his best efforts.

I hope you spend your day illumined by God’s love and following the path well-lit by His ordinances and laws.

Mary
  6:58 AM
Devotion

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