Daughter of The Potter

Walking in the Light: The importance of Filling our Lamp

I started this blog with one thought in mind: to share the quiet utterances of my heart that come from the foundations of my faith, and in doing so, help others connect more deeply with their Creator. I haven’t written in some time. Call it the business of life, distractions, or writer’s block. But this morning as I held my sweet baby boy, knowing the rising sun would usher in his second birthday, something in my heart swelled. As I gently comforted and rocked my son back to sleep while a second baby filled and twirled in my tummy, I was reminded of how beautiful and fleeting the blessings in this life are. That the unknown is where the greatest aspects of our life are formed. However, to adventure into the unknown requires a releasing of ourselves. 

I’ve always had a need to control everything in my life. Every decision, every outcome, every small and tiny detail. But what I’ve come to realize is that the best things in my life haven’t been what I attempted to control; they’ve been the things where I didn’t have control. Whether I released it or realized it was never really mine anyway. 

In the stillness of this morning, reflecting on it all, I see the meandering path of my life, the compilation of events, choices, and decisions that have led to a mother rocking her toddler in the wee hours of the morning. In that path, I see the promise of this verse:

“Your word is a lamp unto my feet
and a light unto my path”
Psalm 119:105

When the path is unknown and at some points treacherous, taking a single step can feel altogether catastrophic. Especially if you are navigating that path in utter darkness, however, the Word of God tells us we don’t have to take steps in darkness. We can take steps on a path illuminated by a heavenly glow. In times when the darkness is all-consuming, when one more step requires too much effort, when the path is too confusing, God’s word provides the direction and guidance we need. 

But in order to step into the knowledge of the light, you must know the light. Not just fretting about the light, or worrying, or getting your daily dose of scripture from Facebook or Instagram or whatever trendy social media you consult. No, you must meditate in the actual source of light, not some counterfeit. We can not expect light from an empty lamp. 

In Bible times, lamps were fueled by a wick dipped into a vessel of olive oil. The oil would feed the flame coming from the tip of the wick, giving precious light. When the oil would run low, the light would begin to flicker and fade. In order to keep the lamp burning, the oil would need to be replaced and tended to. The olive oil burned for several hours, but daily the lamp needed filling. The caretaker of the lamp would have to prepare and ensure enough oil was present for the time of darkness. Without the daily filling of the oil, the lamp could not serve its purpose of providing light. 

Our lamp requires the same filling. In order for the Word of God to guide us, we must daily be investing in growing our understanding; daily replenishing the oil that we desperately need. 

Not only does the lamp give light, but it also offers protection. The lamp, in illuminating our path, reveals stumbling blocks that would have been hidden in the darkness.  Just as light keeps us from physical stumbling, the Word of God can prevent our moral and spiritual stumbling. Embedded in Scripture are directions for what is wrong and right. In learning these truths, we create a bedrock for our own moral discernment and foundation for righteous living. 

It is also through the truths of Scripture that our understanding grows and deepens. It is with this understanding that we can make informed decisions for our future; walking in the light of truth. In the light there is hope and assurance.  

There have been so many moments in my life where I was annoyed I couldn’t see the whole path. Why was God only allowing me glimpses of my feet and a smidge of what was in front of me? Now I understand God wanted my trust. If I knew the whole plan, I wouldn’t need to fill my lamp daily. Without that daily filling, I’d lose the truth, and I’d miss the promises of God. 

As my family walks through an upcoming season of decision-making and transitions, I see where the path becomes uncharted territory. Where the heavenly glow of my lamp needs filling. Where control must be surrendered and trust embraced as we surge forward into the unknown. But you see, we don’t have to fear the unknown, for we hold the words that cast out darkness and bring everything into the light, even if it is one small courageous step at a time.