Lamp and Light

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105 NIV

How much light do we need on our path? Or let me ask that another way. How much light do you WANT on your path? That’s a whole different thing, isn’t it? When we see what is happening on the world stage, do we really want to know for sure how it will all work out? I’m not sure my nerves would hold out if the news is bad, I mean really bad, and let’s face it, that is possible bearing in mind our world leaders.

But we have a gracious God who will allow us to see that part of the path we are on. No more, and certainly not so much that we couldn’t handle it. Knowing the present is enough trouble for most us already. The worries and cares of this life affect us all, and none more so than health. We will know of those who are suffering badly, in fact we may be in that situation ourselves. We usually don’t want to know how it will all end and our God is protecting us by showing only that part of our journey we need to see.

The end of the path could be a few steps away, and yet it might be a long time unfolding. The burden and worry of those possibly tough years ahead is something we don’t need to have on our minds. God knows this and provides the best answer for His children. The old song sums it up as the world sees it:

One day at a time sweet Jesus, That's all I'm asking from you.
Just give me the strength, To do everyday what I have to do.
Yesterday's gone sweet Jesus, And tomorrow may never be mine.
Lord help me today, show me the way, One day at a time.

But I think Jesus puts it best when He shows His love for us in this verse:

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34 NIV

The Journey - The Fork

I well remember being on a hill walk with family, and the trek was long, winding, and steep but we were determined to reach the top where an amazing vista awaited us. But we were impatient. Right about then, we came across another small group of walkers and we got talking. Having told them our plans to keep to the path, they suggested strongly that we take the direct route up the very steep gradient. That way we wouldn’t have to walk so far, and we would get there quicker. We listened, and set off in good spirits straight up this climb because it was no longer a time consuming, long walk.

By the time we got to the summit, we were bruised, and very tired. In fact the joy of the journey had gone completely. Even the flask of hot tea didn’t help. The problem was that we took the advice of strangers, and went away from the recommended route on the map. Had we stayed on the narrow path, we would have arrived in better shape, and a lot happier.

When you come to a decision about which path to take in our faith walk, do we sometimes listen to the world’s unsafe advice and leave the recommended way? Or do we have the courage of our convictions to stay the course until the end. Then and only then can we enjoy the full rewards of the efforts made to complete the journey.

This is also true of our choice in accepting the words and example of Jesus, or taking the shortcut which leads away from the source of life. The choice is for each individual to make. No one is exempt. To avoid is the same as rejecting or saying no. So be careful when you come to each fork in the road and choose well.

“But maybe you don’t want to serve the Lord. You must choose for yourselves today. Today you must decide who you will serve. But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

The Journey - Detour

I hate it. You get onto a familiar and well known road, put your mind into neutral, and start thinking of all the things you want and need to do for the day. It’s easy to take this road, because you have taken it a hundred times. And then you see the sign ‘Detour Ahead’! Now you have to start to rethink your route and fast!


You are in uncharted territory, and in an unknown place. Even with a compass and map it is hard to find your bearings. It’s so easy to miss the way back onto the road that leads to our destination. Our earthly detours are no different from our spiritual ones. We get muddled in our thinking so easily, and sometimes wonder why we were brought down this way. What’s your detour? Illness, finances, death of a friend or family member, even doubts of church and faith? There are more, but you can insert your own spiritual detour.


One thing is certain, to get back onto the right road for our eternal destination, we must follow the signs. In our case those signs can be from good trusted friends, a pastor, the small voice of conscience, but mostly God’s Word which will get you home every time! And by the way, you’re not the only one who has ever suffered the wilderness of a detour!!


There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 16:25