Read: Psalm 119:97-106
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (v. 105)
There is a children’s song that includes the lyrics “Read your Bible, pray every day, and you’ll grow, grow, grow.” A later verse states “Don’t read your Bible, forget to pray, and you’ll shrink, shrink, shrink.” (I Will Make You Fishers of Men)
As water is necessary for plants and animals, the Bible (the written Word of God) is necessary for anyone who desires true, abundant, meaningful life. Scripture nourishes and sustains and is the primary way God speaks to us. It reveals truth from God, guidance for holy living, the account of how God sent Jesus to provide us forgiveness and reconciliation with God, basic commandments for how to best treat and love others, and a foretaste of the glory of life after death for those who believe. The Bible teaches, challenges, convicts, and comforts.
Psalm 119:105 portrays God’s Word as a lamp and light. If you’ve entered a room in the dark and painfully stubbed your toe, you know the value of a light to guide your path. When we live apart from the light of Scripture, we walk in darkness. We need to read, study, grow in our understanding of, and live according to God’s Book. It is holy, inspired by God, and supreme above any cultural wisdom. You are already using this devotional tool! How might you utilize a Bible reading plan, app, Bible study, podcast, or radio program to grow, grow, grow?
As you pray, thank God for his written Word and ask him to open your eyes, ears, heart, and mind to what it teaches.
About the Author
Rev. Steve Petroelje is a specialized transition pastor who serves vacant churches and helps them assess health, pursue missional effectiveness, and conduct a pastoral search process. He is the past-president of the Words of Hope Board of Trustees.
