Let Him Light Your Way

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

(Psalm 119:105)

I was staying alone in a hotel room while away on business once. I woke up in the middle of the first night and the room was pitch black. I couldn’t see my hand right in front of my face and I needed to use the restroom. Only trouble was, I couldn’t remember how the room was laid out. Was the bathroom to my right or left? I couldn’t even find the bed stand light. I literally had to stumble around until I found a light switch on the wall. Until the light came on, I was lost and blind. I didn’t remember what the room looked like or where the furniture was, so I bumped into everything in my way.

That’s what my life was like without the light of truth that Jesus brings. I “bumped” into the things that happened to me in life. Without his light to guide me from those obstacles, I made mistake after mistake. I was blindly walking through life without the foggiest idea where I was going. I thought I did, but I was completely clueless and totally lost. I didn’t believe there were any consequence for my sins, so I was thoughtlessly and wrecklessly walking straight towards hell.

Maybe you have a plan for your future, maybe you don’t, but without Jesus, your earthly success and happiness are only temporary. You will leave behind every material thing, every special accomplishment, every romantic conquest, right here when you die. There’s an old saying, “You can’t take it with you when you go.” Everything you accomplish here is nothing but a vapor. We are here one day and gone the next. Once you're gone, you will realize you have been stumbling around in the darkness, but by then, it will be too late.

However, if you put your trust in Jesus and keep it there, he will light your path. You won't be stumbling around in the dark. Even with his light everyone still has free will to make bad decisions when we fail to keep our trust in Christ. His light will help you avoid the big mistakes in life, like a poorly considered relationship based only on physical attraction, or a long-distance move to a new city just because you're bored where you are. Bad decisions like those, and many others, can have life-altering consequences. If you trust him with the decisions of this life, your eternity is certain, and your reward will last forever.

Heavenly Father, we love you and praise you as the God of creation. You alone are worthy, and we rejoice in the warmth of your loving embrace. You didn’t put us on this earth and leave us to our own devices to try to figure out who you are. You have given us your Word to teach us who you are. Its words are to be our guide through life, shining the light of truth to help show us your way on the path of righteousness. Father, before you pulled us out of the darkness of our sins, we were lost, blind, and pitiful. We stumbled through life without your guidance, falling headlong into one sin after another. We thank you, Lord, for your forgiveness and patience with us when we were being so obstinate. You are merciful and gracious in ways we can barely understand. We pray you will always be patient with us when we stray from your lighted path. Forgive our missteps and blunders. Set us back on a pathway that is pleasing to you. We pray these things in Jesus’ name. Amen!