Light in the Darkness

Bible Reading: Proverbs 3:1, 21-23

As she sat on the porch swing with her grandmother, Reese watched the first stars appear in the sky. “I love spending the weekend here,” Reese said.

“I enjoy having you visit,” Grandma replied with a smile. “In a little while we’ll go in for hot cocoa and a Bible story.”

Reese frowned. “I like Bible stories, but Mom makes me learn a lot of Bible verses, and I don’t like that so much. What’s the point of learning so many?”

“Well, learning verses helps you remember that you belong to Jesus and can trust Him in every situation,” said Grandma.

“But I could just read some verses every day and not go to all the trouble of memorizing them,” Reese insisted. And no matter how many reasons Grandma gave to show that learning verses was worthwhile, Reese was not convinced.

Soon after drifting off to sleep that night, Reese was awakened by Muffles, Grandma’s cat, crying at the front door. I guess Muffles wasn’t around when Grandma went to bed, Reese thought. I’ll go let him in. She crept quietly out of bed and into the dark hall. “Ouch!” she exclaimed a moment later when she stubbed her toe on a chair. She was still holding her toe when Grandma opened her door and turned on the light. “Oh, Grandma,” said Reese, “Muffles is crying to come in. I didn’t want to wake you, but I stubbed my toe!” Grandma made sure Reese’s toe was okay, then she let in the cat and they all settled down for the night.

After breakfast the next morning, Grandma picked up her Bible. “I think we should learn a verse today,” she announced with a twinkle in her eye. “It’s Psalm 119:105. Maybe you already know it. ‘Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.’”

Reese laughed. “I do know that verse, and I know why you picked it. I get the message.” She rubbed her sore toe. “I found out how painful it can be to stumble in the dark.”

“That’s right,” said Grandma, “and it’s even more painful to stumble through life. You need God’s Word to help, encourage, comfort, and guide you.”

Reese nodded. “Let’s pick another verse to memorize!”

-Kimberly Cogan

How About You?

Do you learn Bible verses? Reading them is great, but when you memorize them, you’ll always have them with you. They will help you when temptation comes your way. They will comfort you in troubled times. They will remind you that Jesus loves you and is always with you. They are like a light in a dark place. Learn them by heart and let God’s Word light your way.

Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 119:105 (NKJV) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Today’s Key Thought:

Memorize Bible verses