“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Proverbs 6:23
How well known is this verse?! Yet we need to know it backwards as it is the essence of God’s direction for us. The Word of God is so important and vital to our existence that we need it as the light source for our journey through life, and as a steady compass as we take one hesitant step ahead of the other.
I few years ago my Rachael & I went on a 'mum & daughter' trip to New Zealand, and while we were in Queenstown enjoying the view from the side of a mountain (as you do) I noticed a path leading into the forest behind us. We were at the top of the Gondola and the path was behind the luge just begging to be explored. (the luge is a number of paths winding down the side of the mountain, and you jump on a go cart and the idea is to speed down as fast as you can. Unfortunately my go cart broke half way down. That’s another story…)
It had just snowed that morning, and as we wandered into the darkness of the snow capped pine trees Rach was starting to worry. She stopped and wanted to go back to the luge where it seemed safer. It was true, there was no one else around, we didn’t exactly know where we were going, and there were also no immediate signs. However, the thrill of not knowing, but just following and trusting the path for whatever lay ahead was too great!
Rach made me promise we wouldn’t get lost, and after that she began to enjoy the beauty of the walk. It felt like we had arrived in Narnia with the snow and pine needles under our feet, and such a peaceful stillness that you could hear the water trickling further ahead. Soon we were taking photos, singing and excited about what was around the corner.
After about five minutes walking along this trail we came out to an opening to the most incredible scenery I have seen in a long time. Row upon row of majestic snow capped mountains that went as far as the eye could see, and a sign that said we were on the ‘Ben Lomond Track’ that went on and on around mountains ahead of us. We stood there for ages appreciating the view, and so thankful we had kept going despite not knowing where we were headed.
Isn’t that like our walk with God? He has the most amazing, indescribable life planned for us, but in the shadows of the trees when we can’t see the view ahead, and no one else seems to be around, it doesn’t seem as exhilarating. You can’t see the signs and you just have to hold on to His hand and take one step in front of the other, trusting that you are on the right path and soon there will be an opening that makes your sacrifices and every footstep worthwhile.
He knows best, and just enjoying where you are on the path of life, making sure that the Word of God is your light source is truly the best way to live. And you’re guaranteed spectacular views along the way, especially at the end!
“My steps have held closely to Your paths (to the tracks of the One Who has gone on before); my feet have not slipped.” Psalm 17:5
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