The room was a disaster. Desks appeared tossed about, popcorn littered the floor, and the whiteboards bore a conglomeration of abstract artwork. My classroom had served as an area for some elementary school-aged actors to rest and stay entertained between their few scenes in the high school musical. Now that the final curtain had closed, I surveyed the damage and went to work sweeping and cleaning. As I folded back the large rug I keep at the front of the room, the words on its underside caught my eye.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
—Psalm 119:105 NKJV
Then I remembered. At the beginning of the school year, I had written that verse on the bottom of the rug as a symbolic declaration of my true calling. Amidst the piles of paper on my desk, the duties to perform, and the lessons to plan, my primary responsibility was to stand in the truth and authority of Jesus. Regardless of what life brings, we can simply try to survive or truly thrive. The key is in the positioning of our feet.
Jesus told us that each day would hold its own challenges (Matthew 6:34), but He also declared His sovereignty over any situation we face (John 16:33). Being established in God’s Word isn’t simply a Christian cliché. It requires a decision to believe what God says above anything else we read or hear. Moreover, it’s a decision to believe that Jesus—the living Word of God (John 1:1-4)—is more powerful than anything we’ll encounter.
Far beyond a recitation in a Sunday service, our declaration of faith is a decision to stand firm and follow the truths of God’s Word (Psalm 105:11-12; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 2 Corinthians 1:21,24).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 44:1-34
More:
Read Psalm 33:1-18. Identify five declarations of faith we can make that are based on this passage.
Next:
If given the opportunity, what verse would you write on the floor beneath your feet? What does “thriving” in the midst of challenges mean to you?
tom felten on January 28, 2014 at 9:41 am
Thanks for these encouraging thoughts from God’s Word, Regina. I was reminded of something Paul wrote down: “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21). Even when circumstances threaten to overwhelm us, God is there by His Holy Spirit—guiding, comforting, giving us counsel. Yes, we are established in and through Him,
Regina Franklin on January 28, 2014 at 4:23 pm
Great reminder, Tom–He is the Word. Our security and our faith are not placed in mere words; we are putting our feet on the firm foundation of an intimate relationship with the God of the Universe who longs to reveal His presence to us.
Wayne on January 28, 2014 at 11:14 am
I have to stay in God’s word everyday think about what to do based on the word. I have the Holy Spirit in me to let me know & confirm what is right !
Thank you,
Wayne
Regina Franklin on January 28, 2014 at 4:24 pm
Yes, Wayne. I love that I can remember scriptures I studied many years ago, but I must allow my mind to be renewed and my spirit fed daily by the truth of Jesus Christ.
GChoo on January 28, 2014 at 1:48 pm
Regina, thank you for the reminder and God’s Word as how we can stand firm in our faith in God. Also, when we boldly share with others how God had helped us, we reaffirm our faith in God and His goodness for us. Feel so inspired and encouraged. 🙂
Regina Franklin on January 28, 2014 at 4:26 pm
Thanks for the words of encouragement GChoo! May you see God move in amazing ways as you share your testimony and rejoice in what the blood of Jesus has accomplished (and will accomplish) in your life–Revelation 12:11.
Winn Collier on January 28, 2014 at 8:14 pm
Thanks for that story, Regina. I like that your feet were literally walking on it.
Regina Franklin on March 8, 2014 at 7:50 pm
I am a visual person–it was a cool reminder because I had forgotten that I had written the verses on the bottom of the rug!