Open Bibles shed Light

By your words I can see where I’m going;
    they throw a beam of light on my dark path.
I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back
    from living by your righteous order.
Everything’s falling apart on me, God;
    put me together again with your Word.
Festoon me with your finest sayings, God;
    teach me your holy rules.
My life is as close as my own hands,
    but I don’t forget what you have revealed.
The wicked do their best to throw me off track,
    but I don’t swerve an inch from your course.
I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever—
    what a gift! And how happy it makes me!
I concentrate on doing exactly what you say—
    I always have and always will.  Psalm 119:105-112 (Message)

The Message translation for these verses in Psalm 119 is beautiful. While I love my trusty NIV, this fresh view is stunning. I see it is God’s Word that is the Light. “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was God and the Word was with God. (John 1:1) The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14) This Word was/is Jesus. And Jesus is the light of the world. 

To walk safely in the woods at night we need a light so we don't trip over tree roots or fall into holes. In this life, we walk through a dark forest of evil. But the Bible can be our light to show us the way ahead so we won't stumble as we walk. It reveals the entangling roots of false values and philosophies. Study the Bible so you will be able to see your way clear enough to stay on the right path.  -Life Application Study Bible

To maneuver our way through even one day in this world we need light. Some days we need a very bright light to shut out all the darkness surrounding us. The darkness is blared on the TV screen with words which scroll across the bottom, always there to remind us what is happening in society.

While we are attempting to escape by watching some mellow programming, the darkness pursues. And we cannot escape. But, we can walk toward the light. We can continue to follow the lighted path and avoid the dark recesses. Get in the Word and see if a light doesn't come on.

Psalm 119:105-112

Psalm 119:105-112

Refer to the User's Guide

Psalm 119:105 (NIV) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

Are you someone who will buy something new, open and package and begin putting it together without even a glance at the directions?  Or do you consider it a challenge, part of the enjoyment of have a new item to assemble?  Do you open the directions, lay them alongside all the pieces and begin to figure out the first step, then the next and so on?

The words in the little booklet or sheet of paper which accompanied your purchase were written to make it easier to use. Often the instructions will suggest you keep this sheet with your important papers should you need to refer to it again.  The manufacturer never expected you to figure it out all by yourself; they knew you would need some help.

This is one way to look at the Bible and the different stories and lessons found there. When we take the time to glance at the instruction book God has provided for us, we can learn how to put the pieces of our lives together, learn how to shape ourselves to work in the world. It is an assembly manual for our families, instructing us with the knowledge of what step to take first then second, and so on.

The Bible is a tool for living which will cast light on the path before us, directing our steps. It only makes sense to refer to an instruction manual when tackling construction of something important. When lost, refer to the directions on the map, when broken, dig out the instructions book.  We don't have to figure it out all alone.  We have an instruction book for life, for living in a broken world we have a guide to help us pick up the pieces. Use the Manual.



Psalm 119:105-112