Light Series: Instruction

 

Our neighborhood is carved into the forest and each house backs up to portions of dense woodland. Birds greet us with songs. Vibrant colored flowers cheer. Grass and leaves in greens of every variant sway in the breeze. The thicket is home to critters of all sorts. On occasion, bears encroach our neighborhood from a habitat a few miles away, where they enjoy free rein roaming. Coyotes, racoons, armadillos, rabbits, squirrels, turkeys, and once a peacock strutted through our yard.

Of course, as we live in Florida, there are the cold-blooded versions of life, tortoise, frogs, lizards, and snakes. Alligators aren’t in our neighborhood because we don’t have a water feature to draw their attention. Praise the Lord.

Our Belgian Malinois Kenzi loves our yard. Unfortunately, there isn’t a fence. She minds well and knows the boundaries. Most of the time, my husband is the one who accompanies her on her excursions outdoors.

On occasion, I’ve taken her out in the dark. Trees and undergrowth seem alive with sounds of insects. Shadows and blackness can almost be felt and the forest appears a little menacing.

Hence the flashlight.

The cylinder is comforting in my hand. Flipping it on, the beam makes a circle in front of me and I can clearly see where to step. Night sounds hush for a moment as Kenzi and I invade their world. Then accepting the interruption, the melody picks up where it left off.

Fearless, Kenzi trots out past the beam of light. Anything could be out there in the dark and I shine the light across the blackness, hoping I don’t see eyes reflecting back. Now is the time I want her to hurry. No dawdling.

Unable to see in the inky world, I feel vulnerable. An unsteadiness shivers down my spine and bumps erupt on my arms. I shiver in the warm air. I want information that could tell me what is deep in the woods watching me.

My mind goes to a promise I’ve read in scripture—Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Those comforting words calm me. I’m not alone. God’s word illuminates and instructs me.

The psalmist’s words in 119:105 nlt, are there to remind me of the God of the universe, the creator cares for me and will guide my steps. His Word not only comforts but leads and guides me. Encourages me. Instructs me.

The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand (Psalm 119:130 nlt).

God loves for us to understand His Word and to be confident in His instruction.

And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place (2 Peter 1:19a nkjv).

For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light (Proverbs 6:23a nkjv).

When I need help in any way, God’s word is there for me. Scripture is a light in our lives. Truth is light. Jesus is truth and His Word is light. We don’t need to stumble around with uncertainty when we have God’s Word to guide us, giving direction, comfort, and instruction.

This next verse sums up the importance of God’s Word shining brightly in our lives.

All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right (2 Timothy 3:16 nlt).

God’s word illuminates us giving us instruction. I hope you go to God’s word for your next step in life. 

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