Psalm 119:97-105
A NOTE FROM PASTOR CHARLIE For these devotions from September 5 to September 18, I will be sharing devotions I wrote a couple of years ago for a previous blog. These will not be following the readings for the coming Sunday, but will still offer an opportunity for Bible readings and reflection.
We will be back to the assigned readings for worship once again starting September 19.
Psalm 119:97-105
97 Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all day long. 98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is always with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your decrees are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. 101 I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. 102 I do not turn away from your ordinances, for you have taught me. 103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
When a child (OR an adult) is baptized at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, a Bible is presented to the baptized. For infants, it is a picture Bible. For older children and adults, an age-appropriate Bible is given. The words of the Psalm are shared when the gift is given – may this be a lamp unto your feet and light unto your path.
At the waters of baptism, the parents and sponsors made promises to bring these children to worship, teach them the Lord’s Prayer, Creed and Commandments, and place in their hands the Scriptures. And we as a congregation offered our promises to support them in this journey.
Later this fall, we will be presenting Bibles to children who are in the 3rd grade that can be used throughout the coming years in Confirmation classes and beyond. Back during the pandemic, my colleague and I took Bibles to the homes of the youth and presenting them with this gift from the congregation – another step in their faith journey.
What we included were not just the Bible, but some words of encouragement from us as well. We compiled a list for those brothers and sisters in Christ of favorite Bible verses and Bible stories so they would have some guidance from the congregation as to what this light and lamp can offer.
What is your favorite Bible story? Easter and Christmas are always good! Know that those will be on the list. Are there others that come to mind for you?
How about Bible verses? Maybe it’s the verse selected for your Confirmation. Maybe a word shared at a special service. Maybe it is that verse that you keep turning to in times of need. What is the word of God for you that is a light and a lamp?
Here is a video of Amy Grant’s song, “Thy Word” based on this psalm.
Let us pray: Almighty God, we turn to your Word for comfort, guidance, hope and salvation. Open our eyes to see and our hearts to hear the Good News you give us. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.