The Upper Room Devotion for Wednesday, September 20, 2023, was written by Enid Adah Nyinomujuni of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Scripture
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to observe your righteous ordinances. 107 I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word. 108 Accept my offerings of praise, O Lord, and teach me your ordinances. 109 I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law. 110 The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts. 111 Your decrees are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. 112 I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end.
Psalm 110:105-112 NRSV
Author's Thoughts
The psalmist said God's word was a lamp to his feet and a light to his path. Recently, I had an experience where God's word enlightened my path. I had been hurt deeply by someone's unkind words to me. For a number of days, all I could think of were those unkind words. I lost my joy because of that situation, and worse still I could not pray. I felt like avoiding that person because I knew seeing her would bring up that pain again, yet I knew that was not the right thing to do.
I wanted to move forward, but I could not seem to find the way. Then one day I read Joel 2:32, which says that all who call upon the name of the Lord shall be delivered. That scripture became a lamp and a light for me. I saw I needed to call upon the Lord to help me out of my darkness, and I did. The lord answered, and now I am in good fellowship with the person who hurt me. My joy was returned. We all find ourselves in situations where we don't know the right thing to do or how to do it. When we learn to apply the lamp and light of God's word, we can find the way.
Pastor Anthony's Thoughts
Friends,
"Stick and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Many of us have heard this nursery rhyme by Alexander William Kinglake. While the sentiment is admirable, the truth is words can and have caused significant harm. As people of faith, in the Christian tradition, we know the bible has been used to ostracize, condemn, and minimize groups of people. Words can be used to edify or vilify, the question we must constantly struggle with is: How will we use our words? I invite you to re-read Enid's reflection, asking yourself the aforementioned question.
Author's Prayer
Dear Lord, we want your word to be a lamp and a light in our lives today. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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