Thy Word

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105 NIV)

“Thy Word” is a very popular song written by Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith many years ago now. It is based directly this verse from Psalm 119. It is one of those songs that many of our youth know and so listen for those young voices singing this song in worship. It is good that they have learned this psalm verse by singing this song and I hope that is also helps them to know that they can trust God to give them Light for the journey.

"'Thy word is a lamp.’ God’s word helps me find my way in the dark and not get lost. Sometimes we want to know what God has in store next week, next month, next year, for the rest of my life. Why doesn’t God reveal the whole blueprint right now? But how far can you see with just a lamp? In Bible times, to get around you had to carry fire, a torch, a lantern, or you’d fall on the rocks or traipse off into a hole. And with a Bronze Age lantern—not one of those brilliant outdoor beacons campers use nowadays—how far ahead could you see? Not far. But far enough. You see well enough to take the next step, and the next step. The end of the road is all darkness. But it will be lit when you get near enough. . .

Where will God lead you and me? We do not know yet. Faith is risky: we leave the cocoon of our preplanned, carefully managed lives and go—where? We do not know yet. Wherever God leads, that is where we will go. But we know whom we are following, and we want to be near him, and that is enough, for he is the fullness of life; he is the way, the truth, and the life.”¹

1. Howell, James C. 40 Treasured Bible Verses: A Devotional. (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2011) pg. 97.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.

When I feel afraid,
And think I've lost my way.
Still, you're there right beside me.
Nothing will I fear
As long as you are near;
Please be near me to the end.

I will not forget
Your love for me and yet,
My heart forever is wandering.
Jesus by my guide,
And hold me to your side,
And I will love you to the end.
(words by Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith)

1984 Meadowgreen Music Company, Word Music, LLC

Used by permission CCLI #606416