Elemental: S2 - Day 3
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105
I love this verse of scripture. But my reasons have changed over time. Initially, I read this as a promise of certainty and clarity. I considered this God’s way of saying that reading the Bible was a sure way of sorting out questions about right and wrong. God was saying His desire for me was to have absolute doctrinal clarity. And I’d read verses like 1 Peter 3:15 which says, “Always be prepared to give an answer…” and feel the profound responsibility to remove any areas of doubt and find “the” answer.
Recently, however, I’ve begun to understand Psalm 119 differently. I’ve considered the possibility that I was overcomplicating the text. What if we read it in its most straightforward, plain form? “Your word is a light for my path.” Let me explain.
Imagine I’m back in undergraduate school at the end of a semester during test week. True to form, I’ve procrastinated. I now have only a few days of panic cramming before the seeds of my behavior bear fruit. But, for a few days before the test, I will get up unreasonably early—say 5 a.m.—to see what kind of dent I can make. On these mornings, I don’t have time for anything extra. So, to save time, I decide not to cross the room and turn on the lights. How ridiculous would that be?
What if God is saying a little time in God’s word is like turning the lights on for the day—that we were created to live in the light? It might not mean everything becomes clear. In fact, some confusing things require light just to be able to appreciate them. Could it have more to do with feelings of safety and comfort, belonging, and a sense that things will be ok, despite the things we don’t know? What if God covets our belonging with Him more than our explanations of Him?
Oh, and that passage in 1 Peter about being ready to give an answer? Check out the context:
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. (3:15)
Here, in the rubble of our deconstruction, we find something worthy to build upon. Any answers that matter rest upon one hope—Jesus.
I love this verse of scripture. But my reasons have changed over time. Initially, I read this as a promise of certainty and clarity. I considered this God’s way of saying that reading the Bible was a sure way of sorting out questions about right and wrong. God was saying His desire for me was to have absolute doctrinal clarity. And I’d read verses like 1 Peter 3:15 which says, “Always be prepared to give an answer…” and feel the profound responsibility to remove any areas of doubt and find “the” answer.
Recently, however, I’ve begun to understand Psalm 119 differently. I’ve considered the possibility that I was overcomplicating the text. What if we read it in its most straightforward, plain form? “Your word is a light for my path.” Let me explain.
Imagine I’m back in undergraduate school at the end of a semester during test week. True to form, I’ve procrastinated. I now have only a few days of panic cramming before the seeds of my behavior bear fruit. But, for a few days before the test, I will get up unreasonably early—say 5 a.m.—to see what kind of dent I can make. On these mornings, I don’t have time for anything extra. So, to save time, I decide not to cross the room and turn on the lights. How ridiculous would that be?
What if God is saying a little time in God’s word is like turning the lights on for the day—that we were created to live in the light? It might not mean everything becomes clear. In fact, some confusing things require light just to be able to appreciate them. Could it have more to do with feelings of safety and comfort, belonging, and a sense that things will be ok, despite the things we don’t know? What if God covets our belonging with Him more than our explanations of Him?
Oh, and that passage in 1 Peter about being ready to give an answer? Check out the context:
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. (3:15)
Here, in the rubble of our deconstruction, we find something worthy to build upon. Any answers that matter rest upon one hope—Jesus.
- What friend can you go to when you are confused?
- What has agitated you recently?
- What is your level of peace today? Why?
Pastor Dave Ferguson
Support Crosswalk Church
Posted in Psalms
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