Father, enable me to avail myself of its light, in the constant exercise of faith, prudence, and simplicity.

Posted : 17 Jun, 2013 02:08 AM

105. Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto

my path.





The nightly journeys of Israel were guided by a pillar of fire directing not only their course, but every step and movement.

Thus is our passage in a dark and perilous way irradiated by

the lamp and light of the word. But except the lamp be lighted except the teaching of the Spirit accompany the word, all is

darkness-thick darkness. Let us not then be content to read

the word without obtaining some light from it in our

understanding-in our experience-in our providential path. Did

we more habitually wait to receive, and watch to improve the

light, we should not so often complain of the perplexity of our

path. It would generally determine our steps under infallible

guidance: while in the presumptuous neglect of it-like Israel of

old-we are sure to come into trouble.

Yet it may sometimes be difficult to trace our light to this

heavenly source. A promise may seem to be applied to my

mind, as I conceive, suitable to my present need. But how

may I determine, whether it is the lamp of the word; or some

delusive light from him, who can at any time, for the

accomplishment of his own purpose, transform himself "into

an angel of light?" Or if a threatening be impressed upon my

conscience, how can I accurately distinguish between the

voice of "the accuser of the brethren," and the warning of my

heavenly guide? Let me mark the state of my own mind. If I

am living in the indulgence of any known sin, or in the neglect

of any known duty-if my spirit is careless, or my walk

unsteady; a consoling promise, being unsuitable to my case,

even though it awakened some excitement of joy, would be of

doubtful application. The lamp of God under the

circumstances supposed, would rather reflect the light of

conviction than of consolation. For, though God as a Sovereign may speak comfort when and where He pleases;

yet we can only expect Him to deal with us according to the

prescribed rules of His own covenant; chastening, not

comforting, His backsliding people. In a spirit of contrition,

however, I should not hesitate to receive a word of

encouragement, as the lamp of God to direct and cheer my

progress; being conscious of that state of feeling, in which the

Lord has expressly promised to restore and guide His people.

Let me also inquire into the terms and character of the

promise. When He "that dwells in the high and holy place,"

engages to dwell "with him also that is of a contrite and

humble spirit;" any symptoms of tenderness and humility

would naturally lead me to consider this word of promise, as

sent by my kind and watchful Father, to be a lamp unto my

feet, and a light unto my path.

Again-a distinct and experimental view of the Savior in His

promises, endearing Him to me, and encouraging my trust in

His faithfulness and love- this is manifestly light from above.

Or if the purpose of the promise answers any proper end-to

excite or to encourage to any present duty connected with the

promise; I cannot doubt, but the lamp of the Lord is directing

my path.

For example-when the promise was given to Joshua, "I will

not fail you, nor forsake you;" he could not misconstrue "a

word" so "fitly spoken" "in a time of need." And when the

same promise was subsequently given to the Church, the

application was equally clear, as a dissuasive from inordinate

attachment to the things of time and sense, and an

encouragement to entire dependence upon the Lord.

Further-The practical influence of the word will also enable me

clearly to distinguish the light of heaven from any illusion of

fancy or presumption. The effect of an unconditional promise

of deliverance given to the Apostle in a moment of extremity, was exhibited in a diligent use of all the appointed means of

safety. An absolute promise of prolonged life given to

Hezekiah when lying at the point of death, produced the same

practical result, in a scrupulous attention to the means for his

recovery. Upon the warrant of a general promise of Divine

protection, Ezra and the Jews "fasted, and besought their God

for this." Now in these and other instances, the power of the

word, working diligence, simplicity, and prayer, evidently

proved its sacred origin. An assurance of safety proceeding

from another source, would have produced sloth,

carelessness, and presumption; and therefore may I not

presume the quickening word in darkness and perplexity, to

be the Lord's lamp unto my feet, and light unto my path, "to

guide my feet into the way of peace?"

Let me apply the same test to the threatenings of the word.

Their influence, meeting me in a watchful and humble walk

with God, I should at once consider as the suggestion of the

great enemy of the soul, ever ready to whisper distrust and

despondency to the child of God. But in a self-confident, selfindulgent state, I should have as little hesitation in marking an

alarming word to be the light of the word of God. It would be

well for me at such a time to be exercised with fear; not as

arguing any insecurity in my state; but as leading me to "great

searchings of heart," to increasing watchfulness, humiliation,

and prayer. "The commandment is a lamp, and the law is a

light: and reproofs of instruction are the ways of life." Oh, that I

may be enabled to make use of this lamp to direct every step

of my heavenly way!

Whence then-it may be asked-the various tracks even of the

sincere servants of God? Though there is clear light in the

word, yet there is remaining darkness in the most enlightened

heart. There is no eye without a speck, no eye with perfect

singleness of vision-consequently without some liability to

error. There is light for the teachable-not for the curious;-light to satisfy faith-not caviling. Add to this the office of the

ministry-the Lord's gracious ordinance for Christian instruction

and establishment; not to enslave, but to direct the judgment

in the light of the word. To honor this ordinance is therefore

the path of light. To neglect it, is the exposure to all the evils

of a wayward will and undisciplined judgment.

Lord! as every action of the day is a step to heaven, or h ell Oh! save me from ever turning my face away from the path,

into which Your word would guide me. Enable me to avail

myself of its light, in the constant exercise of faith, prudence,

and simplicity.



by

Charles Bridges

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