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The Other Half The Other Half
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Our house is close to the church so we can walk there very easily, but in the winter evenings it is really quite dark, as the single lamppost between house and church is rather temperamental and occasionally refuses to light. So, I found myself walking to an evening meeting a few weeks ago, with my torch to lighten my path. A question arose in my mind. Should I hold the torch so that it lit the path ahead, or so that its light fell near my feet so that I could take the next step with confidence? I tried both ways and it was definitely safer to keep the light just ahead of my feet. In the darkness of the night I needed light, and because of the turns in the lane I could not see my destination even although I knew it was well illuminated. The passing cars gave a fleeting light, which helped, but I could not rely on them and I realised that I was experiencing my spiritual journey in my physical walk. When things get really dark in our lives, we need to know how to take the next step. It’s pretty hard to keep going when we cannot see our destination, even although we know it’s there and that we will eventually reach it. Occasionally we will be helped by a passing friend or by something that happens to us, but such “help” comes and goes - important but not permanent. In Psalm 119 v 105, it says – “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Read the same verse, and a few more, from The Message: “By your words I can see where I am going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back from living by your righteous order. Everything’s falling apart on me, God; put me together again with your word.” What I need in the darkness, Lord, is just one step at a time. But as well as your Word we have another source of light. We even bear a light within, the presence of Christ. Jesus himself said – “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness.” John 8 v 12. When it is SO dark that even reading is too hard, His presence within will be our light. We can rest in Him and let Him show us the next step. Nothing surprises Him. He already knows how to guide us and, of course, He never loses sight of our destination. Thank you for your everlasting presence and guidance Lord. While there is light enough to see may I read your Word for guidance, and may I put my trust in You when the darkness is more than I think I can bear. You brought light into my life and You will be the light of my life until I reach my destination. Amen.
© Sue Whitehead
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