Psalms 119:105-112 | Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. I have suffered much; preserve my life, LORD, according to your word. Accept, LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.
During World War II, small compasses saved the lives of twenty-seven sailors three hundred miles off the coast of North Carolina. The ship SS Alcoa Guide was spotted by a German submarine, which opened fire. The ship was hit, caught fire, and began to sink. The crew lowered compass-equipped lifeboats into the water and used the compasses to guide them toward shipping lanes closer to shore. After three days, the men were rescued.
The psalmist reminded God’s people that His Word was a trustworthy “compass.” He likened it to a lamp. In that day, the flickering light cast by an olive oil lamp was only bright enough to show a traveler his next step. To the psalmist, God’s Word was such a lamp, providing light to illuminate the path for those pursuing God (Psalm 119:105). When the psalmist was wandering in the dark, he believed that God, through the guidance of His Word, would provide direction.
When we lose our bearings in life, we can trust our God, who gives His trustworthy Word as our compass to lead us into deeper fellowship with Him. Marvin Williams