Devotional:Lamp and Light:Psalm 119:105-112

“How blessed are those whose way is blameless, Who walk in the law of the LORD” (Psalm 119:1, NASB).

The recent election called for citizens to decide which candidate that they thought would best serve the country. Surveys and polls showed that citizens have different opinions about which issues are most important to them. What do they want and need from their government? How can they maintain their standards of living? How can they improve their status?

As I looked at the results of the polls and the elections I became increasingly aware that our conclusions are not consistent. What I mean is this: Many of us say that we are Christians. Traditionally, a Christian is one who believes in Jesus Christ. A Christian is one who is a disciple of Jesus. They hold to His teaching (John 8:31-32). A Christian is one that believes that the Bible is the authoritative Word of God. The bible points us to Jesus as our example. The bible is not about the history of humankind. Rather, the Bible is about God. Our knowledge of human history cannot save us from our sins and reconcile us to God. Human history cannot tell us the decisions that will best serve us so that we can live the best life.

Psalms 119 tells us the value of living according to the law of God. God is eternal and He is immutable. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8, NASB). Thus, the psalmist says that his decisions and course of life will be determined by the words of the law—not the Law of Moses, but the law of God. The psalmist said, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (v. 105). When I don’t know what is best for me I turn to the word. When I need to make the right decision I turn to the word. His word gives me knowledge, wisdom and understanding so that I can make decisions that are pleasing in the eyes of the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, Your words are the light that I will follow. Amen