How Do I Take the Next Right Step?
July 4th, 2022 • by Ashley Setterlind
Our family has walked through a series of transitions over the past several years—multiple moves, pregnancies, loss, grief, and healing. Recently, as I was praying through decisions we needed to make, my thoughts drifted to Psalm 119, and I began humming a tune I hadn’t sung in years. “Thyyyy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a liiiight untooo my path.”
If you grew up as a church kid in the 90s, I’ll bet you just started singing along with me, right?
As I cheerfully reminisced on all things Vacation-Bible-School-related, I realized that by bringing this familiar jingle to mind, the Holy Spirit was answering my request for wisdom in our situation.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps. 119:105).
It’s a Scripture verse I’ve known since childhood, but one I had not taken the time to study more deeply until this instance.
The Difference In ‘Lamp’ and ‘Light’
It’s interesting that the psalmist uses these two distinctly different words in this verse, isn’t it? Why did he choose to use both ‘lamp’ and ‘light’?
Strong’s Hebrew Concordance likens ‘lamp’ in Psalm 119:105 to a small light, such as a candle. The root word, meaning to “glisten” or “shine,” appears 48 times in the Old Testament. In all of those instances—barring one unique case, which we will return to in a moment—the word refers to a ‘lamp’ in the way we would classically assume for the time period—a lit lampstand or a small candlestick bringing light to an otherwise dark place.
‘Light’ on the other hand, is translated as “bright,” “clear,” “day,” “morning,” “sun,” and “luminary.” The meaning can even extend from literal interpretations into a more emotional undertone, including “happiness” or “enlightenment.” The root word it’s derived from, pronounced ‘ore’, is entirely different from that used in ‘lamp.’ This root is active, meaning “to become light,” “to shine,” “to set on fire,” and the like. It refers to the overall glory of a subject as it is illuminated or how it illuminates another. There’s more force behind it; more umph.
Thus, ‘light’ in Psalm 119:105 is similar to how we would think of the first rays of sunrise beaming directly into the windshield of a car, causing temporary blindness by its total consumption of the view. This word shows up in the Old Testament 122 times, including the creation account in Genesis, and in each instance the ‘dawn’ or references to daytime are mentioned.
So to recap, the word ‘lamp’ points to a small, contained illumination, whereas ‘light’ means a full-scale invasion of brightness.
“Scripture is both our ‘lamp’ and our ‘light.’”
‘Lamp’ and ‘Light’ of The World
What does this short word study on Psalm 119:105 reveal about God? He is telling us that Scripture is both our ‘lamp’ and our ‘light.’
When we lose power in our homes at nighttime, we’ll light a candle or turn on a flashlight to see in the darkness. This ‘lamp’ will be enough to see what’s right in front of us, but will not provide enough power to illuminate the entire room.
In the same way, God’s Word is the ‘lamp’ of our lives. When we don’t know which way to go, are struggling to make a decision, or are paralyzed in the darkness of depression, Scripture is the ‘lamp’ that points us in the right direction. Through his Word, the Spirit illuminates the very next step. We may not have enough light to see the full outcome of our circumstance, but he is faithful to provide enough of what we need to step forward, trusting that his ‘lamp’ will then shine for the next step, and the next, and so on.
But it’s the second half of Psalm 119:105 that gives us the confidence to take these necessary baby steps of faith; for God’s Word is not just the ‘lamp’, but also the ‘light.’ In the same way that the sunrise blinds a person through the windshield on their morning commute, God’s Word floods our entire being with truth. It fills every particle of darkness with light. In fact, 1 John 1:5 proclaims of Christ—the Word made flesh (John 1:14)—“that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” Wherever he is, there will be light.
Even before the incarnation, David understood this. Remember the one unique case for ‘lamp’ mentioned earlier? It occurs in 2 Samuel 22, which is a praise song to the Lord. He declares, “For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness” (2 Sam. 22:29). David knew in his soul that God was both the ‘lamp’ and ‘light’ of the world. He knew that if he followed, he would never walk in darkness, but would have the light of life (John 8:12).
“If we trust Christ, we are securely held in the midst of all our unknowns. ”
Step By Step
Though we may not be able to see the specifics of our story in the moment, the ‘light’ of God’s Word reveals the entirety of his story that we need to know.
If we trust Christ, we are securely held in the midst of all our unknowns. After all, the ‘path’ was never about us to begin with. God is holy, and we exist for his glory. He is sovereign over our tiny faith-steps and our missteps. We have nothing to fear as we look to him for direction. God does not simply illuminate our path; he is our path.
And he will be faithful. He always has been.
Suggestions for Further Reading:
2 Samuel 22:1-51
John 1:1-18
John 8:12-20
1 John 1:1-10
Questions for Reflection:
How does understanding God’s Word as both ‘lamp’ and ‘light’ change your perspective over your current circumstances?
How do you need to trust God as your ‘lamp’ and take one small faith-step forward this week?
Do you believe that you are held by Christ in the middle of your unknowns? Does your life currently reflect this belief?
Ashley Setterlind is a pastor’s wife, mama to three littles on earth + one in heaven, writer, and worship leader. She loves studying theology, drinking iced vanilla lattes, and being cozy. She is passionate about equipping women to live for God’s glory and can rarely be found without an audiobook in her earbuds. Ashley lives in the mountains of Western North Carolina with her family and their beloved German Shepherd. You can connect with her on Instagram or read more words like these on her blog.
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