Carl Witty
07/21/19
The words in the above title have been among those passages memorized in childhood by many of my readers. One explanation for the phrases is that each of us needs God’s guidance/”light” for seeing the path ahead, but also a “lamp” for each step of our path. We need both short and long term guidance as we walk in God’s way. This article will attempt to demonstrate how God accomplishes that in our everyday lives.
When you feel depressed, try reading Isaiah 40:10-31. The prophet reveals the magnitude of God’s attention and the unimaginable power He demonstrates among all nations for all time, His ordering of the great universe (of which our earth is but a tiny part), and His infinite wisdom and knowledge. Isaiah then asks Jacob/Israel why they would dare to say, “My way is hidden from the Lord, and my just claim is passed over by my God.” (v. 27) God’s response to their very weak and limited vision is:
“Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the LORD,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:28-31
Suppose you are facing some great crisis in your life. Read from Psalm 46 verses 1, 2 and 7:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; the LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.”
If you are lonely or fearful, be encouraged by these words from Psalm 27:1-6:
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident. One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.”
God’s word is so very practical. The following list could be made much longer but here are a few passages recommended for various situations. The original source for the ideas following is unknown to me. Someone handed the following list to me many years ago:
If business is poor, and competition sharp, read Psalm 37.
If you are anxious over loved ones, read Psalm 107.
When you plan your budget, read Luke 19.
To live successfully with your fellow man, read Romans 12.
If you are sick or in pain, read Psalm 91.
If you leave home for work or travel, carry Psalm 121 with you.
If you are weary, take the inspired advice of Matthew 11:28-30 and Romans 8:31-39.
If the world around you seems to be going from bad to worse, read 2 Timothy 3.
A guaranteed investment strategy is described in Matthew 6.
Does God figure in our national life? He did in Israel’s – Deuteronomy 6.
When your friends seem to go back on you, hold fast to 1 Corinthians 13.
For an inward peace, consider John 14.
Have you been given a place of great responsibility? Read Joshua 1.
When you are bereaved, there is a message for you in 1 Corinthians 15 and Revelation 21.
For a stirring record of what trust in God can do, read the accounts in Hebrews 11.
L. O. Sanderson, in the chorus of his song, “The Precious Book Divine,” wrote:
“Holy Bible, Book divine,
Precious treasure, thou art mine!
Lamp to my feet and a light to my way
To guide me safely home”
Photo by Alistair MacRobert on Unsplash