Read: Psalm 119:97-112
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (v. 105)
“Some people are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good.” A senior saint I know loves this Oliver Wendell Holmes’ quote. He wants people to move from knowing God’s Word to doing God’s Word. At times, the Reformed church tradition prizes knowledge over action. James 1:22 corrects this: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” When Psalm 119:105 calls God’s Word a “lamp” and “a light,” it implies movement down a path. The path I’m suggesting this week moves from delighting in Scripture to discerning its meaning and into doing what it says.
My men’s small group uses the acronym S.P.E.C.K. to apply Scripture. It asks five questions: Does the text reveal a Sin to confess? A Promise to believe? An Example to follow? A Command to obey? Knowledge of God to acquire? We find it helpful to journal what we discover and to share with the group. This adds accountability and camaraderie to our obedience.
You could try SPECK with today’s reading. I find a promise in verse 103: “How sweet are your words to my taste.” I sense conviction when I read “it is my meditation all the day” (v. 97). Too many moments it is not. What do you see? If you ever get stuck, ask the Spirit to guide you. Jesus promised that the Spirit will “guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13).
As you pray, ask for courage to walk where Scripture leads.
About the Author
Rev. Jon Opgenorth serves as president of Words of Hope. Previously, he served for 18 years as senior pastor at Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City, Iowa. In preparation for ministry, he received a BA in Religion from Northwestern College, and an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary.
