Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Trusting the Light

A couple of Sundays ago I heard a profound explanations of a particular Bible verse. What made it even more incredible for me was that I never thought it needed one before.

We had a guest preacher at church; our previous youth minister and associate pastor, who moved to Maine several years ago as a church planter and evangelist. In the midst of sharing how the Lord called his family to missions in Maine, he said, "We thought the Lord was calling us to work in Maine for two years. But you know sometimes he chooses to only show us light at our feet."

He went on to quote the verse from Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." (NIV) I had memorized that verse as a teenager, still love the way Keith Green turned it into a praise and worship chorus. I treasured it for the promise that the Lord would always show us the way we should go. Never did I question the difference between a lamp and a light. But I had never heard it explained the way Chris Johnson went on to share.

He said sometimes the Lord shows us just enough of his will (the path he has for us), that it is illuminated like a lamp at our feet. We know where we are, that we are on the path, but we cannot see far. Why does the Lord allow us only this brief glimpse? Perhaps if we saw the whole path it would be too awesome to comprehend...or too daunting to venture forward. Perhaps to increase our trust in him. Perhaps to keep our focus on the task at hand.

However, other times he is a light for our path. He allows us a deeper vision. We see the road ahead, with all its bumps, twists and turns. But even so, we have his illumination is also a promise of his constant presence and guide. And whatever God shines his face toward must be glorious indeed.

This year may we seek out His word, trust Him when he is the lamp to our feet, and follow Him when he is the light for our path.

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