Scripture: the Light for our Paths

It is a not an uncommon occurrence to need to search for something in the dark.  Think of hunting along the wall for the seemingly hidden light switch.  Or looking through the darkened garage when the light is out.  Or even foraging through the junk drawer for a candle and match during the most tempestuous of storms.  As anyone who has ever gone camping can attest, a light can be the most useful thing amidst darkness.

Life is full of darkness.  The bleak blackness and dark gloom of this world falls like a pall over life.  Fortunately, God has not left us without a bright and shining light to illuminate every step and to shimmer its godly glow to light out paths.  This heavenly light is the Word of God, the Scriptures which is to protect us from harm (Psa. 119:105; Pro. 6:20-24).

While the aforementioned verses are often memorized and quoted for their beauty, it is more important that we would live by the truth therein then to simply acknowledge it as true whilst neglecting the application.  If we are to apply the truth that God's Word is to light and guide our way, then there are some important things that must be pointed out.

First of all, if the Scriptures are to light the path of the Christian, then the Christian must be acquainted with them.  A flashlight is useless if the person does not know how to turn it on or if they fail to put the necessary batteries in it.  In other words, the Word will fail to be the light to our paths if we neglect learning how to wield it.

To be sure, this is all about Bible Study.  Unless we are in the Word, studying the Word and memorizing it, our paths will forever remain dark and shadowy.  But when we have sufficiently immersed ourselves in the Word and allowed it to permeate into the depths of our hearts, we will be sufficiently prepared and equipped for God's Word to light our life.

Additionally, letting the Word take its rightful place as the light to our paths is all about humility and submission.  For the Scripture to guide our every step, we must submit ourselves to its authority in our lives.  This is fundamental, foundational, and necessary.  Unless we turn over our very volition to that of the Word of God, we will continue to struggle in the darkness for lack of a sufficient light to our paths.  Let us then determine to depend on the Word and make it the very basis for our lives!