Light Needed (Part 1)

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:105, 127-130

“It’s so dark out,” said Cora as she and her brother Josh stumbled along the path through the woods. They had been visiting some friends who were camping just a short distance from their own campsite.

“At least we don’t have far to go,” said Josh. “We’re almost—” His words cut off as he caught his toe on a tree root and fell. “Ow!” he yelled.

Cora reached down to help him up. “Are you hurt?”

“Not much,” Josh replied. “But I think I skinned my knee. It hurts.” He began to brush himself off. “We’d better not go quite so fast.” Cora agreed, and the two of them moved slowly and carefully along until they reached the campsite where their parents were waiting for them.

“We could hear you two coming,” said Mom. “We heard a yell. Are you okay?”

“Josh fell,” said Cora, “but he’s not hurt much. It was so dark, we couldn’t see when there was stuff in our way.”

“You had your pocket flashlight with you,” said Dad. “Why didn’t you use it?”

“My flashlight!” Josh reached into his pocket and pulled it out. “I forgot I had it.” Everyone laughed.

“Can I have a bandage for my knee?” Josh asked.

“Sure,” said Mom. “I’ll get one for you.”

“You kids remind me of myself,” Dad said while Mom cleaned and bandaged Josh’s knee. “I have a light for my path, but sometimes I forget to use it or just don’t bother.”

“Really?” asked Cora. “Are you talking about the flashlight on your phone?”

Dad shook his head. “I’m talking about my Bible,” he said. “God says His Word is a light to our paths. It tells us about Jesus, the light of the world who died and rose again to save us from sin. The Bible helps us get to know Him better and encourages us in our walk with Him. But it doesn’t do us any good if we don’t use it.” Dad held up his phone. “Gather ‘round now,” he said. “It’s time for our family devotions—and since it’s so dark, I’ll read the Bible on this.”

Josh grinned. “I guess that means you have two lights on your phone!”

-Hazel W. Marett

How About You?

Do you read your Bible regularly? Do you listen when it’s being taught at church? It contains the truth and promises God wants to share with you. It tells the story of Jesus, who loves you and died for your sins. It offers encouragement and comfort in hard times and guidance in how to live your life. But unless you use it, it can’t help you. Don’t stumble along in the dark. Use your Bible and follow the light it gives.

Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 119:130 The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Read your Bible