Our Guiding Light
The Bible is the literal Word of God.
I grew up going to church almost every Sunday, even as a high school student; it was my choice to get up and meet my Grandma at church. I knew most of the popular Bible stories by heart, but I had very few Bible verses memorized. Looking back, it seemed like the generation I grew up in wasn’t really taught to study Scripture, but instead focused on attending church and allowing the Pastor to teach them. That’s precisely how my walk with God was. I believed in the power of the Holy Spirit, that Jesus was my friend, that God had created me on purpose for a purpose, and that daily prayer was important. I just never learned or felt the desire to study God’s Word. Can you relate to that at all??
It wasn’t until my mid-20s that I finally decided to take the time to learn how to study Scripture.
I remember the turning point vividly. At this point in my life, I was a Mom of three kids under 5 years old. I was struggling with patience and burnout as a stay-at-home Mom. I suffered from horrible postpartum depression after my second child, but having my third child only 13 months later left me with little to no time to really seek help to understand why I was feeling the way I was. One afternoon, I paused in the kitchen and just cried out to God. Why can't I be a better mother? I don't want to be angry, impatient, annoyed, overwhelmed, or short-tempered. I want to be loving, joy-filled, patient, kind, understanding, and at peace within myself so that I can fully enjoy my kids. I will never forget the immediate response from God, right to my spirit: "Well, Marlee…what did you just describe to me as the mother you want to be?" I thought for a moment and replayed my heart's cry in my head again. Finally, I replied, "The Fruits of the Spirit?" God said, "Yes, now how do you get those to be fruit in your life? To be totally transparent, I had to Google the answer because I didn't know the answer. I found out that the Fruit of the Spirit is the result of Jesus working through us. Then my mind connected all the dots…who is Jesus?- The Word made flesh. So, how do I cultivate more of Jesus within me to produce the right fruit as a mother? Get more into God's Word daily! Looking back, it seems so simple, but I had never had it explained to me that way.
My children have played a significant role in my spiritual growth and maturity over the years. I hold the eternity of four precious blessings in my hands, for at least the first 18 years of their lives, and that pushes me to become the version of myself God has called me to be. I am not perfect, but I am daily pursuing Jesus. Looking at my Bible now, with all its pages of notes, highlighted words, and even extra note pages added because I ran out of room, you would think that studying Scripture was something I had done all my life.
After God and I talked in my kitchen, my Spirit was convicted of not ever really opening my Bible. I was on a mission to learn Scripture deeply in my heart, with the goal of eventually producing the Fruit of the Spirit in my motherhood journey. The first time I opened my Bible to study. I opened my Bible to a random page and placed my finger on it, whispering a short prayer. “Lord, you told me this was my next step. You know I don’t have much previous knowledge of Scripture, so I believe you will allow my Spirit to understand it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Day after day, I would start my Bible study the same way, and I share that with you in the hope of encouraging you to do the same. Even if it’s a random page and a mustard seed of faith, just begin. God will take care of the rest! God has developed within my Spirit a true passion and love for His Word. He has even called me to teach His Word…crazy, right?
Jesus is the Word made Flesh according to John 1:14, and He called Himself the Light of the world.
“Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” -John 8:12
This is why the Word of God is our guiding light in life. It helps us see clearly, stay safe from sin, know the truth, and follow Jesus more closely.
1. It Shows Us the Path
Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Just as a lamp allows travelers to see the way ahead in the dark, God’s Word reveals the next steps we should take in life. It may not show us the entire journey at once, but it gives us enough light for today.
2. It Guards Us from Danger
Ephesians 5:13-14, “But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead,and Christ will shine on you.”
Light exposes what’s hidden. In the same way, Scripture shines on sin, lies, and temptations that might otherwise trip us up. When we let God’s Word shape our decisions, it protects us from walking into spiritual harm.
3. It Reveals Truth in Darkness
Psalm 119:130, “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”
The world is often confusing, with many voices offering conflicting advice. God’s Word cuts through the noise, providing us with unchanging truth.
4. It Points Us to Jesus, the True Light
Ultimately, Scripture directs our eyes to Jesus, who said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” -John 8:12
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” -Psalm 119:105
The Bible is the lamp, but Jesus is the source of light Himself.
I pray you have the same longing and desire for God’s Word on your heart as it was on mine. Your reason might not be your children, but God is a personal God and will connect with you in a way that will move you closer to him. God’s Word is the “light” that overcomes the darkness within!
-Sincerely,
Marlee
