And a light unto my path

I recently read a comment on a blog or message board somewhere recently that was actually rather insightful, it was in reference to the well known passage, 'Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.'  To many within the church, it is so familiar that it is nearly forgotten.  Besides its familiarity, we also live in an age where 'lamps and lights' are of far greater efficacy, power, and availability than were such implements in bygone days.  They had no batteries, street lights, or incandescent bulbs; they had fire: torches, oil lamps, and candles.  The modern equivalent might be a cheap flashlight with dying batteries in the middle of a rain soaked night while one is trying to locate something in the dark.  The commenter made note of the fact that all the world about us is dark with impenetrable night and the Word is a faithful lamp, but one that only illuminates what is immediately around us.  I can look back on life's winding path and wonder how I have come so far with such seemingly feeble light, but must remember that life is accomplished one step at a time within the confines of that firm and steady glow.  I cannot see far ahead, but rather must deal with what is immediately before me.  I need not fret about what lies beyond the bend and outside the light, for those matters are in hands far greater than mine.  I like to strain my eyes at the darkness ahead, and wonder and worry what lies thither, but rather my task lies within the sphere of the visible and to that must I attend.  It is a sobering and reassuring thought, and testifies to the wisdom of, 'sufficient unto the day is its own evil.'  We naturally want to stand on the pinnacle of the temple and survey all the Kingdoms of the earth when our domain of responsibility is actually much smaller and far more intimate and manageable.  As the old hymn goes, 'tis grace has brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home.'