"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalms 119:105
Instead of a lamp, nowadays, we use flashlights to help us see in the dark. The Word of God is no different than a flashlight. It shines in the darkness so we can see where we should go and what we should do. In John chapter 1, where we find that Jesus is the Word, it also says that...
"In Him was life, and the life was the light of men." John 1:4
Jesus is the internal light that helps us know where to go, but we cannot activate that light within us if we do not read the written Word.
Directions Revealed
It must be revealed to us to see what we need to do. Yes, sometimes this road called life feels like we are following a GPS with no pictures to tell us what is coming. That is called faith, but if we stay in tune with the Holy Spirit by reading the Bible, we will know right when we need to whether or not something is ahead or if we need to turn. This is the ever-working revelation of Jesus in our lives. The Bible says He takes us from glory to glory as we behold Him. As we continue to read the written Word, we see Jesus more clearly. We must keep our eyes fixed upon Him as we travel through life.
Doers, Not Just Hearers
We must also follow the directions Jesus gives us. James tells us,
"But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." James 1:22
There is an expectation of action on our part once we get the directions. The scripture goes on to say,
"Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but one who does good works — this person will be blessed in what he does" James 1:23-25
Obedience is the key. Jesus is our Lord. He is the one revealing to us what we need to do. So, Let's do it.
One Last Point
Jesus is revealing these things to us to keep us safe. The Bible says, "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you" (Psalms 119:11). As we follow His directions, we are kept safe. We must always keep Jesus with us to know what to do and when to do it. As we pray, study God's Word, and keep our eyes on Him, we will not sin or crash into roadblocks, potholes, or make wrong turns. The written Word is our map and the Holy Spirit revealing Christ in us is our compass. Let's follow Him.
Activity
As we move into our prayer time today, let's ask the Lord for direction. If you have a big decision, find the scriptures that will help you go the right way. Maybe you are just having a typical day. Ask God to direct you to the right verses to read that will prepare you for the day. Prayer and Bible reading must go hand in hand. Do you have a life verse that is part of what keeps you focused on Jesus? Have you memorized it? If not, ask God to show you if there is a specific passage you need to focus on that will help you and then memorize it. Let's be active doers of the Word working in God's kingdom, hiding His Word in our hearts.