To some, that title brought back thoughts of an old show. Guiding Light is an American radio and television soap opera. It is listed in Guinness World Records as the longest-running drama in television in American history, broadcast on CBS for 57 years from June 30, 1952, until September 18, 2009, overlapping a 19-year broadcast on radio from 1937 to 1956. Between radio and television, it ran for 72 years.
Today I want to focus on is the original Guiding Light.
**By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. Exodus 13:21-22
The first thing God created was light. When He led the Israelites out of Egypt, He led them by day by a pillar of cloud and by night with a pillar of fire. They had no idea what was ahead of them, but they trusted and followed.
**Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105
The picture I posted with my devo today is Benny’s chair. When we turn out all the lights at night, that lamp stays on. It provides just enough light to do the minimum necessary. When Sierra comes in late at night, she doesn’t have to stumble around. When Benny gets up early in the morning, it gives enough light to read his Bible and do what he needs to. The lamp doesn’t light up the entire room, it only illiminates a small area. But in the middle of the night it is necessary and important for our safety and comfort.
We all have questions about the situation our country is in, and we all wonder what will happen next. Our human minds want to see the big picture and with that, what the future holds. But God has only promised to light our next step. God said His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. A lamp or headlamp do not give off much light, but are both vitally important to show the immediate area around us.
I think it is that way with God and His Word. He will only show us the next step. If he showed us the big picture, we might veer off or decide we liked a different path than He has us on. Only He knows the next best step, and that is all He will allow us see at a time.
As I get older, I am less confident driving at night. But let me tell you, I am so thankful our vehicles are made with headlights. Have you ever been late for curfew and tried to sneak in with headlights off? I tried that one time and almost hit our garage. I take daytime for granted and being able to see the distance ahead. That night I had no way to know how close I was to damaging our house. I could only function by recollection without light.
Even though these are hard times, and our future is unclear, we still have a promise of enough light to guide and direct us. God is the original Guiding Light.
**Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. Exodus 16:4
While God led the Israelites, He sent manna for their nourishment. He met their daily needs with His supernatural provision, and He will provide for us, too. They grumbled and complained and worried and fretted. No one lived in luxury, but they were all provided for. God does the same with us. He knows our needs, and promises to take care of us, too.
Until this morning, I hadn’t caught the end of that verse. “In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.” He provided for their needs, but they had to listen and do as He asked. In this pandemic, it is easy to worry about having enough because we cannot see the future. It is also easy to grumble about what we are lacking. Thing is…He knows. He knows what we need and what we don’t. And He has promised to lead us and provide for our needs.
He was in control six thousand years ago, and He is in control today. We still have the promises His people had back then. We are to read His Word and allow Him to guide us, one step at a time. Then we are to trust Him to meet our needs.
Benny told a friend the other day when asked if he was worried. “I serve the same God I did before this started, and He is still able to take care of the situation. He knew this was coming, even when we didn’t.”
LORD, today, please only give me the desire for the next step. Let me allow You to lead and guide me in these troublesome times. Instead of looking around me and panicking, let me read Your Word and find peace. Help me depend on You to light the way and provide for my daily needs. I don’t want to be anxious about the future. I want to rest in You today and what You have for me at this moment. During these trying times, give us all extra comfort, LORD, so that we can provide comfort for those in the world who don’t know You and need it most. Remind us how much You love us and want only the best in our lives. I know You will use this for Your glory. Be with those affected by the virus and heal their bodies. Be their peace and comfort in the days to come. Draw near to those families who have loved ones who are positive. Please also be with all who are quarantined and sheltered. It is a lonely place, but You, LORD, can fill the loneliness. Help us be creative and find ways to fill the voids. Thank You for being our Guiding Light and our Provider. Amen
**The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5
**When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
ON THE PORCH 