I got to babysit the granddaughters Avery and Haley a couple of weeks ago and it was a blast.  We played hide and seek, we drew pictures and colored, and we finished off the day with playing with flashlights.  Flashlight training should be a part of every “Grandpa 101” orientation class.  Games range from “where is it now…step on it” to “flashlight tag.”  It can keep grandkids and pawpaws entertained for hours.  Dachshunds are less impressed but that’s another story.  After we finished playing and we were putting furniture back in place, I reminded the girls that we need to put the flashlights back where we got them.  Avery who is 6 said, “Yes, then the next time we need them to walk home at night with mommy we’ll know right where to go.”  Avery’s words about the flashlights reminded me of Psalm 119:105.   The psalmist writes:

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

God’s word is given to us as a gift; one that provides instruction, inspiration, encouragement and enlightenment.  It tells us of the nature of God, His redemptive plan for man and how we should live in this world.  His word, if followed, places us on a path that leads us to Him through Christ.  It illuminates our way and guides our steps.  It is good to have a light to guide our way.  My granddaughters live just three houses away and sometimes when they stay late they want to take flashlights with them to help light the way as they walk home with their mom.  There have been times we have been unable to find the flashlights because it has been so long since we used them and we did not know where to find them.  I see a similar parallel with our relationship with God’s word.  Sometimes it has been so long since we have spent time in His word that we don’t know where to go to seek help when we need a light to guide our path through difficult times.  Sometimes the thought that a light is available to us never even crosses our mind and we trudge out into the darkness on our own.

It is good to be familiar with the Holy Scriptures so that we can readily avail ourselves of the wisdom and counsel so richly given to us.  The scriptures provide instruction and encouragement for any and every situation we may face.  There truly is nothing new under the sun.  When we are familiar with the scriptures, we have multiple anchors to hold on to during difficult times, we can stand on our faith and be assured that sorrow may last for a night but joy comes in the morning (Ps 30:5).  We can know that we can make it through every circumstance, because we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil 4:12-13).

Yes, God’s word brings comfort and strength during difficult times.  But please don’t misunderstand.  God’s word is not just for difficult times.  It is a blessing during good times too.  Spending time in His Word during the good times makes it that much easier to find and cling to during the difficult times.  God’s word is indeed a lamp for our feet and a light for our path.    And when you need it during dark times, it sure is good to know where to go.  Until next time, stay strong in the faith.