The Light of the Word

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

The presence of light is absolutely essential to most aspects of life. The presence of light illuminates exposes and guides. Today’s verse shows us that the word of God is the light we need to use for each step of each day. Without this light we walk in complete darkness, so it is essential that we are daily exposed to the light of the word of God. As we actively seek the light of God’s word, ingesting it regularly, we gain understanding. “The entrance of Your words gives light, It gives understanding to the simple” (Ps. 119:130, NKJV).

The light of the word is essential to fellowship with God and others. It also keeps us from sin. John says, “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (I John 1:7, NKJV).

The light exposes all things, including sin. If we confess our sin, God forgives us and we no longer have to be ashamed or fearful. Thus, the light of God’s word delivers us from fear. ”The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?” (Ps. 27:1, NKJV).

As God’s children, we are His representatives and we need to be an example of this light. Personal holiness and routine cleansing of the word need to be a daily practice in order to display this light. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light”, (Ephesians 5:8, NKJV).

Any form of light is of no use unless it is on display. We need to shine God’s light in order that a dark world may see it. Matthew says, “¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”, (Matt. 5:14-16, NKJV).

God’s glory is the light. John tells us that it is the glory of God which will be the light in heaven. “The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light”, (Revelation 21:23, NKJV.) The lamb of God, His death and resurrection is the glory that can enlighten all men, if we trust Him.

Thought, comments, objections, prayer requests.

Daniel A. Smith