CTWG Challenge Day 7
Psalms 119:105 NKJV
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
FACT: Did you know that in 1983 Newsweek magazine did a cover story discussing the Bible's impact on America? Here’s what they said: "For centuries the Bible has exerted an unrivaled influence on American culture, politics and social life. Now historians are discovering that the Bible, perhaps more than the Constitution, is our founding document: the source of the powerful myth of United States as a special sacred nation, a people called of God to establish a model society, a beacon to the world."2 This is a powerful finding, although I wouldn’t categorize it as a “myth.” There is historical proof of the deep Christian conviction our founders had.
It is encouraging to know that the Bible was our country’s founding document. If it lit the way for our forefathers, we can certainly expect it to continue to light the way for us today, especially as we find ourselves in the middle a cultural shift that points all existence towards science and away from God. The Americans that founded this country faced massive opposition to be free of British tyranny. Think of the fear and self doubt they faced. Yet, they saw that in the midst of chaos, God would guide their steps and help them build the foundation for what would become one of the world’s greatest countries. They understood the word of God is meant to give us instructions on how to live life abundantly. Still, God’s word is timeless. As He gave His word to them hundreds of years ago, He’s given us His word today to guide us everywhere. This is such great news, and the Bible is so accessible to us! But are we walking in that access? Are we listening to His direction? Or are we listening to our culture who denies His very existence? Are we watching where we're walking, or are we wandering around aimlessly, hoping to stumble into good? Are we pulling out our compass and looking to see where we are and what we need to do to arrive at the desired destination?
We can all wander off the path at one point or another. However, God has given us the tools to get right back on track with His path. It begins by recognizing that I’m off the path and trusting that God’s word really is a lamp unto my path. It's not going to do us any good to dwell on our mistakes. So, let's pick ourselves up and move forward, following God's direction from His word. He is guiding us. All we have to do is follow the light.
Action steps
- Read - Re-read Psalms 119:105.
- Think - Consider the Bible as your compass. Where are you on the map righ now?
- Write - What is the next “destination” you are going to? Journal about an area of your life where you need to trust God to show you the way, based on today’s scripture.
- Pray - Ask God to help keep you focused on His direction, re-directing you when you start to drift off His path. Ask Him to light your path today.
- Take away - Getting to a destination without the light of a map or GPS might take longer than necessary. The same principle is true in our everyday life when we don’t take the time to connect with God.
“If men of wisdom and knowledge, of moderation and temperance, of patience, fortitude and perseverance, of sobriety and true republican simplicity of manners, of zeal for the honor of the Supreme Being and the welfare of the commonwealth; if men possessed of these other excellent qualities are chosen to fill the seats of government, we may expect that our affairs will rest on a solid and permanent foundation.”