MY LAMP

In this section of Scripture, David was reflecting on the experiences of life, with particular reference to divine protection, help and guidance. Life had been a journey, hence the references to him running and leaping, and the allusions to his feet, his steps and his way. Like us, he found that on the journey there were crossroads and obstacles. There were mountains to be climbed, and valleys to be negotiated. In the maze of life, which way do we take at the fork on the road? When the King of Babylon was at the ‘parting of the ways’ he resorted to all the paraphernalia of the occult to find the right route, Ezek. 21. 18-23. The believer says with David, ‘Thou art my lamp, O LORD’.

We never cease to praise Him for the initial illumination that we experienced at conversion. Just as surely as he dismissed the darkness at the dawn of creation, so He ‘shined in our hearts’, 2 Cor. 4. 6. The darkness of ignorance and sin was dispelled by His word. Like the people of Galilee we saw ‘great light’, Matt. 4.16. Like Saul of Tarsus, it was ‘a light from heaven’ that enveloped us, Acts 9. 3. ‘Thou art my lamp’.

On occasions, the word translated lamp is rendered candle. The Lord has not only shone in a dramatic way in our lives, but just as a smaller light illuminates a short area of the path, so there are times when He gives guidance for the road just one step at a time. ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet’, Ps. 119.105. A second step will not be revealed until the first is taken. Joseph and Mary were not directed to Nazareth until they had obeyed the instructions to go into Israel, Matt. 2.19-23. Unlike the ancient Israelites, we do not have the luxury of a visible pillar of cloud or audible silver trumpets to rally and guide us, but there is adequate illumination in the word to regulate large areas of our lives. Like David, we can be assured, ‘the LORD will lighten my darkness’. ‘Thou art my lamp’.

At points where the route is uncharted, and when ‘neither sun nor stars in many days (appear)’, Acts 27. 20, it is wise to be patient. It is often said, ‘darkness about moving is light about staying’. In His own good time our ‘lamp’ will reveal His will, and we will acknowledge, ‘As for God, his way is perfect’.