Be My Guide!
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105
I opened my Bible to consider what I might want to use as verses for a devotion and in doing so, my eye caught this verse from Psalm 119 that somewhere along the way I chose to write in my Bible as one of my memory verses. I think it was the Holy Spirit helping me to put aside all the craziness of the world and to remember that God will always light the path I travel and that He is always close by.
God reveals Himself in several ways. He is there in nature or creation for us to see. He also reveals Himself to us in our consciences – even before we hear the Gospel of Christ. Paul wrote in Romans 2:14-15 “Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right.”
But God also has planted in our hearts a desire to know Him. What I figure is that He does that so that each of us can seek to have living, personal relationship with Him. Scripture is His redemptive plan being laid out one book at a time. It’s God’s love letter written to each of us.
So, have you ever endeavored to read the whole Bible? When I determined that I was going to take on this journey for myself I picked up the “Good News” version as it was the easiest to read at that time. I still have the copy fondly stored in my book collection and I thank a former pastor of mine for the advice to use this version.
So, I did just that. I don’t recall how long it took but I went from Genesis to Revelation. I must admit that Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy were challenging just to read. But, through the journey, especially the Old Testament, I discovered a real appreciation for the sacrifice Jesus made for me. All those laws no human person ever could hope to keep them all. And there’s something else to share that I think is key - I learned it’s okay if I don’t understand the whole Bible through one reading. That’s where all my Christian brothers and sisters who are more mature in their journeys have and still do help me appreciate the impact of the scripture on my life.
The Bible is our guide to living life and gives the direction we need. I think a few words can outline the journey laid out in scripture: covenant, direction, and revelation. He asks us to invest the time to understand the meaning and receive the impact in our lives.
Dear Lord, thank You for giving us Your Word to help us through life. Give me the desire to read the Bible every day without fear or discouragement that comes from my own limited understanding. I know You will teach me Your truths as You know I’m ready to receive them. In Jesus' Name, Amen.