God's Word Can Light Your Path

"Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105

When our boys were little, they shared with me about their night hike after returning from a camping trip. There were two rules: stay together and no flashlights. The scouts could use a compass and the stars to move them safely from the beginning of the trail to the end.

The Israelites faced a similar journey as Moses led God’s people from Egypt to the promised land. I tell their story in my upcoming devotional book Made to Shine: Carrying the Light of Jesus to the World.

When Moses led the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt to escape slavery brought about by Pharaoh, God led them to Canaan, His promised land, by way of the Red Sea. Ordinarily, the route from Egypt to Canaan involved trekking through enemy territory. God knew His children were not strong enough to fight the Philistines after spending four hundred thirty years in bondage (Ex. 12:41).

What the Israelites saw as a roadblock, God saw as a gateway to perform His many signs and wonders. Since the Israelites traveled 200-300 miles from Egypt to the Red Sea, God protected them from the desert heat with a cloud. But this was no ordinary cloud.

As a pillar of cloud, it took the shape of a vertical support beam, like a column firmly placed on a house's corner. Within the cloud, God moved from going before the Israelites to behind them. Why? He was the pillar.

A pillar is defined as “A person or thing regarded as reliably providing essential support for something.” What a great depiction of how our everlasting Father remained with His children, never leaving their side. He is the same God who never leaves His children alone still today.

God stood between the Egyptians and Israelites in this pillar of cloud. To the children of Israel, He gave light and warmth in the form of fire, enabling them to keep walking in the night’s darkness.

God’s light represented the lamp that guided His children and safely directed their steps across the Red Sea. Fortunately, we have access to this same light today through His Word: the Bible.

As children of the light, God’s Word directs our thoughts and offers us hope. The Psalmist revealed how God's Word helped him when he said, “I am afflicted very much; revive me, O Lord, according to Your Word” (Ps. 119:107). God’s Word is the pillar of Light that can help redirect our thoughts and change our hearts.

For example, if you are hurting or overwhelmed, Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” This beautiful verse reminds us that God is near and desires to comfort us if we will let Him enter our season of pain.

If you cannot see your way forward and feel unsure about the next steps, Jeremiah 29:11 reminds you that God holds your life in the palm of His hand: “For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” God desires to give you a future, unlike this world that only dashes our hopes and dreams.

Today, if you feel anxious, God wants to turn your worry into a prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

God’s Word is full of praise, comfort, healing, love, kindness, etc. It is the light that leads us to the heart of our Father. When was the last time you opened your Bible and allowed God to direct your steps? It’s never too late to seek God's help, and you are never too far from the Father.

Follow me on Amazon to purchase my upcoming devotional book Made to Shine: Carrying the Light of Jesus to the World.

Made to Shine is set to be released on January 29th. Read the following excerpt.

Shining a light in this world is not dependent on our ever-changing circumstances,

but on our relationship with Jesus Christ.

As the Light of the world, Jesus promised that those who follow Him will “not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12). He came into the world to fulfill one mission: to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).

Have you ever considered that people are constantly watching your actions and listening to your words? What you do and say matters, especially to those desperately searching for Jesus.

As His follower, God made you to fulfill this same mission and carry His light inside your home, to work, and in your surrounding community.

In Made to Shine: Carrying the Light of Jesus to the World, Whitney Sparks teaches you how to find Christ and point others to the light of Christ through daily challenges to help you become rooted in God’s Word while growing in your spiritual walk.

We cannot expect people to naturally gravitate toward the light of Christ, though, when the enemy has blinded them.

When you identify and internalize the light of Christ in your personal life, you will learn to let your light shine even during your most challenging seasons.