Another Psalm 119 Devotional

Psalm 119:105-112 (Nun)

This stanza of Psalm 119 begins with verse 105:

¹⁰⁵Your word is a lamp to my feet

    and a light to my path.

It’s probably the most familiar verse in this, the longest of the Psalms. Songs have been written that quote that verse as the primary line. One in particular came out in the 1980s that was written by Michael W. Smith and performed by Amy Grant. It was sung by a generation of Christians in worship:

Chorus: 

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

Verse 1: 

When I feel afraid, 

And think I've lost my way 

Still, you're there right beside me 

Nothing will I fearAs long as you are near; 

Please be near me to the end.

(Chorus)

Verse 2:

I will not forget 

Your love for me and yet, 

My heart forever is wandering. 

Jesus be my guide, 

And hold me to your side, 

And I will love you to the end.

It’s amazing that a line of a Psalm written 3000 years ago can still resonate so profoundly in our hearts today. It’s because it is SO true. When I read and know God’s word, I am not stumbling in the darkness. I know there is meaning to this path I’m on. I see where I’m going. No matter what the circumstances, God gives me his light and confidence that it’s all in his plan. It’s going to be ok.

This truth was practically made known to me (as it probably was to you) when I was a new believer. When I started developing the discipline of having a quiet time and began memorizing Scripture, the darkness and fog that caused me so much fear and stress lifted regarding my life’s purpose and future. Almost suddenly, there was clarity and light! I remember thinking, “Why didn’t I see this a long time ago?” Because God’s word makes things clear.

I think the psalmist realized the same thing. You can see it in the verses following that most famous verse:

¹⁰⁶I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,

    to keep your righteous rules.

¹⁰⁷I am severely afflicted;

    give me life, O Lord, according to your word!

¹⁰⁸Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord,

    and teach me your rules.

¹⁰⁹I hold my life in my hand continually,

    but I do not forget your law.

¹¹⁰The wicked have laid a snare for me,

    but I do not stray from your precepts.

No matter what life throws at us, the psalmist knows that God’s word puts everything in context, gives everything meaning, and is more valuable than anything. 

¹¹¹Your testimonies are my heritage forever,

    for they are the joy of my heart.

¹¹²I incline my heart to perform your statutes

    forever, to the end.

God, give us the same determination to make your word our joy and light.