Light is the opposite of darkness, as we all know. The two cannot co-exist/ When it is dark there’s no light: it remains dark, but the darkness disappears when the light appears. When in the dark, we cannot see our surroundings and therefore are unaware of potential dangers.
What kinds
of dangers could one encounter when walking in the dark? There is the
possibility of walking into objects, stubbing the toes, walking into a ditch,
and sustaining injuries. It’s understandable when people need to walk in the
dark because they absolutely have to get somewhere but have no access to light.
On the other hand, it’s irresponsible when people choose to walk in the dark
when light is available to them.
Christians,
we live in a very dark world, journeying through it with our focus on a
destination: our heavenly home. Soon, we’ll see our Lord and Savior, Jesus,
face-to-face. Although it is dark in this world, God has given us everything we
need to navigate it and arrive home safely: “By his divine power, God has given
us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by
coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous
glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us
great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share
his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires” (2
Peter 1:3-4). Included in the “everything we need” is the Word of God, which
teaches us how to live to please God and be like Him.
The
psalmist, on his journey through this dark world, quickly learned he needed
some form of light, and he found it: “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and
a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105). Similarly, we Christians need the same
light source to guide us safely through this world. It is the Word of God that
throws light on our path to enable us to see where we are going and guides our
feet so we don’t end up with stubbed toes.
For us to
benefit from the Word of God, we have to read it, know it, cherish it, meditate
on it constantly, and live by it. It is not enough to know it; we have to obey
it. Only then will it fulfill its purpose as light. For instance:
If you don’t steal because the Word says not
to, then the Word has become your guide in doing what is right and pleasing to
God.
If you are
in a frightful situation, won’t you find this verse encouraging? “Don’t be
afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will
strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand”
(Isaiah 41:10). Of course, you would, but that is if you already knew it, as the
psalmist says: “I have hidden your word in my heart, … “(Psalm 119:11). For the
Word to be our guide, we have to know it.
Are you
having a hard time with a decision you have to make? Here’s your guide: “Trust
in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek
his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take” (Proverbs
3:5-6). This verse is directing us to pray and trust God to guide us with His
wisdom.
Are you
debating how much to give to ministry? Here’s your guide: “Honor the LORD with
your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill
your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine” (Proverbs
3:9-10).
We’ll never
face a situation that does not have some guidance from the Word of God. It is
crucial that we read, meditate, and delight in the Word, and hide it in our
hearts., When the need arises in our personal lives or the lives of others, the
Holy Spirit will remind us, so we can better cope with the situation.
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