Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible and one of the most popular verses in it is Psalm 119:105. This verse has been transformed into sermons, works of art, and songs. So, what’s so special about Psalm 119:105 anyway? That’s exactly what you’ll learn today. In this blog, let’s dive into Psalm 119:105 and learn the best lessons from it!
A brief background of Psalm 119
Psalm 119 is the longest psalm, and it’s special because it’s organized like an acrostic using the Hebrew alphabet. There are twenty-two sections, each with eight verses. Each verse in a section starts with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet in order. So, for example, verses 1-8 start with words that begin with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, verses 9-16 start with words that begin with the second letter, and so on.
While many psalms praise God for His power as Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, Psalm 119 focuses on God’s Word as a guide for life. It celebrates the gift of the Scriptures and uses ten different words to talk about God’s Word: “law,” “testimonies,” “ways,” “precepts,” “statutes,” “commandments,” “judgments” (which are legal rulings), “word(s),” “sayings,” and “path.” The word “law” here doesn’t just mean the Five Books of Moses but refers to all of the Hebrew Scriptures.
So, Psalm 119 is all about praising God for giving us His Word and showing us how it guides our lives.
What Does Psalm 119:105 Mean?
Psalm 119:105 marks the beginning of a new portion in the lengthy chapter of Psalm 119. As I have mentioned above, Psalm 119 is organized in acrostic. Verse 105 is the first verse for the Hebrew letter Nun (נ n), equivalent to our “n.”
Psalm 119:105 (NKJV) reads:
Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
This verse is a part of Psalm 119, which is the longest chapter in the Bible and is known for its focus on the importance and value of God’s word (the Torah or Law). In this particular verse, the psalmist is expressing the belief that God’s word provides guidance and illumination for their life’s journey.
The imagery of a lamp for the feet and a light on the path suggests that God’s word provides direction, clarity, and protection in navigating life’s challenges and uncertainties. It signifies the role of divine revelation in providing spiritual guidance and wisdom to believers.
What are the Lessons We Learn from Psalm 119:105?
Psalm 119:105 is rich in life-changing meaning and powerful stories that would surely help you improve your relationship with God. For this reason, it is a must that you stop and consider what Psalm 119:105 has to say. To help you, I have gathered the top 11 Psalm 119:105 lessons for you:
1. We live in the dark world
One of the harshest biblical truths that we all should acknowledge and accept is that we live in a dark world. This world is filled with so much darkness because of the evil that exists in it.
Psalm 119:105 is actually an acknowledgment that this world can be so dark and living in it means we will also experience the negative effects of its darkness.
Because of darkness, we are living in a dangerous world. We can easily stumble. We can easily make the wrong decisions. We can easily be deceived. This then leads us to the next lesson.
2. God’s word gives light to our life
Psalm 119:105 tells us:
Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
God’s word is a lamp that gives light to every step that we take and to the path that we take. It is only the Word of God that truly gives us the true light. The problem is that a lot of people today are looking for other things to give them light. They turn to self-help gurus. The turn to new-age religion. They turn to the supposed enlightened and wise people in this world. Not only that, there are a lot of people who try to create their own light by relying on themselves!
Now, the problem with using other sources of light is that they can be equally deceiving as darkness. What people think light is actually just darkness in disguise!
Therefore, as a result, people make the wrong decisions in life. They take the wrong path. Their lives go in the wrong direction. Why? Simply because they are not using the right source of light, which is the Word of God!
So, why should we rely on God’s word? Here’s the answer:
3. God’s word is powerful
We read in Hebrews 4:12-13:
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
The Scripture is both living and powerful. It means that the Word of God actively gives us light and because it gives us light, it serves as a discerner of our thoughts and intentions. Hebrews 4:12-13 continues saying that there is no creature HIDDEN from God’s sight.
What a powerful connection to Psalm 119:105. Remember, God’s word is light and it reveals whatever is HIDDEN in the dark. That’s how powerful God’s word is.
Going back to the first line of Hebrews 4:12-13, it tells us that God’s word is living. There’s no other book like the Bible. This book will not only inform you but will also TRANSFORM you!
When you constantly remember God’s word and actively apply it in your life, you will never be the same person. It changes not just behaviors, but ultimately the heart so that we can have the willingness to truly obey God.
That’s the power of God’s word. Never ever underestimate how God can transform your life through the Scripture.
4. We must turn on the light of God’s word
Now, here’s what’s interesting: Psalm 119:105 uses the word lamp. A lamp is something that doesn’t automatically have a light. It is capable of bringing light only IF you turn it on.
In the same manner, the word of God has the potential to bring light to your life. It is available to you. You can access it on the Internet, in bookstores, and even on your phone. However, if you simply let your Bible collect dust in your bookshelves — you don’t read it or if you do, you just do it when you are in the mood — then, you are not actually using God’s light!
You see, God’s word has a tremendous power to change you, but it can only change you if you let it — if you turn on the light. Turning on the light of God’s word means that you don’t simply read God’s word, but you also meditate on it and apply it in your daily life.
5. We must live according to God’s word
Jesus Christ or properly known as Yahshua gives us this powerful insight about the word of God. He said in Matthew 4:4:
But He answered and said, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
We are all to feed on God’s word. This means that we are to base every decision we make on what God says. We are to ensure that we are spiritually nourished through the Scripture. If we fail to do so, we will become weak and eventually, we will all spiritually die.
6. We must let God’s word tell us what’s right or wrong
In a world where people decide what is right or wrong, we should be different. We must let God decide and dictate what is wrong and right. It is not up to us to make the decision and we can only know what God says right and wrong by reading His word.
There’s no doubt: the society we live in now has an upside-down moral standard. What is unacceptable to God, for them becomes acceptable and the opposite is true.
No wonder, Isaiah prophesied long before what is now happening in our society. He wrote in Isaiah 5:20:
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Yes, sometimes, what God says in His word is unpopular. People deem it old-fashioned. However, We are here to please people, but God. Those who don’t live by God’s word live in darkness and because of that, they will suffer the consequences of their actions.
However, living by God’s word, believing and applying His standard of morality allows us to see clearly, make the right decisions, and live in the light of God.
7. God’s word is the path itself
Now, here’s something amazing about Psalm 119:105:
Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
One of the most popular beliefs people have today is that there are many paths to God. They will tell you that all religions are equal and all religions are actually different ways of expressing one’s spirituality. Therefore, we should not judge one another and simply accept everyone’s beliefs. After all, there is no such thing as absolute truth. Everything is subjective.
This is actually one of the greatest lies Satan has injected in the world. Jesus Himself said:
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
John 14:6
Not only that, but the Apostle Peter strongly proclaimed:
Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12
As we can see, there are no different paths to God. There’s only ONE true path and that path is shaped and determined by the word of God!
8. Jesus Christ is the light of the world
If there’s one connection that you should make in Psalm 119:105 to Christ, it is this: Jesus is the light of the world.
So, when Psalm 119:105 said, “Your word is a lamp to my feet, And a light to my path,” this can also refer to Jesus Christ who is properly known as Yahshua.
We read in the Bible that Christ is the Word of God:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1
Then, jumping to verse 14:
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
So, the Bible fully established that Christ is the word of God. What’s more, He is also the light of the world!
We read in John 8:12:
12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
John 8:12
We can fully establish that Jesus is both the Word of God and the Light of the world. This leads us to a different interpretation of Psalm 119:105!
Thus, Psalm 119:105 can also tell us that it is Christ who is guiding our steps and He also lights up our path. This shows us that we are not alone in our Christian walk. We don’t just have God the Father on our side, but also His Son!
9. It takes courage and faith to stay on God’s path
Notice that Psalm 119:105 uses the lamp as a tool to provide light to our steps and path. Doesn’t it make you ask the question, “Why doesn’t God just simply light up the whole place if He really wants us to see in the clearest way possible?” In short, “Why doesn’t God just remove the dark?”
That’s a good question. You know what, God has the power to remove all darkness in the world. However, if He does that, it also means He has to remove every single sinner in the world, and that sinner includes you!
So, God doesn’t want that. He loves us in spite of our sins and rebellious hearts. That’s why, instead of removing the dark, He gives us light through His word and Son.
Like a lamp, it can only do so much. It will not be able to light up the whole room. There will always be some parts of the room that will not be illuminated. What does this teach us?
It teaches us that we don’t have to know everything to believe in God. What I’m saying is that if God will reveal everything to us, if He tells us exactly what will happen in the future, it won’t take much faith to believe in God, isn’t it?
God is doing something great here. He doesn’t want you to simply go through life without learning to trust Him. In times of trouble and hurt, in times when you go through darkness, God gives you enough light to remind you that He is stronger and more powerful than the forces of darkness. The light that He gives us through His word is there not only to simply show us the path, but also to help us increase our faith as we trust God even if we don’t see everything.
10. We must be a light to the world
The Bible tells us:
14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16
The Bible is given to us to illuminate our path. We shouldn’t simply stop there, but rather, we should reflect that light to other people. In short, we must serve as a light to the world as we continue reading the word of God and living in it.
When we live a life that is pleasing to God, our life has become a living testimony and powerful message to this dark world. We are like stars in the dark sky which gives hope to people who see us.
Now, remember, we don’t serve as lights to direct attention to ourselves, but rather, we show our light to the world to lead them to God.
11. God’s word has already charted our course
Did you know that God has a plan for you? However, so many people don’t want God’s plan in their lives. They want their imperfect plan instead! However, if we are going to let the Word of God be the light to our path, we can be confident that God has already set the right path for us. Psalm 119:105 suggests that God’s Word has already laid out the route we should follow. The only question is, “Will you take God’s path or your path?”
Obviously, the answer should be God’s path. However, it’s not always easy to follow the path of God prepared for us. This is especially true when God’s way doesn’t seem to make sense!
That’s part of our Christian walk — to trust God not just during the good times, but also in the bad times. We are to trust God and believe that His path is the best path for our lives.
By acknowledging that God’s Word has charted our course, we affirm our trust in His plan for our lives. We recognize that His Word contains instructions, principles, and promises that lead us in the right direction.
Understanding that God’s Word has already charted our course encourages us to submit to His will. We align our decisions and actions with the teachings and commandments found in Scripture, knowing that they lead to the best outcomes.
Just as a traveler relies on a map or GPS for navigation, believers can have confidence in their journey through life by following God’s Word. It provides assurance that we are on the right path, even when faced with challenges or uncertainties!
Choose the light and path of God
Psalm 119:105 is truly a beautiful verse that talks about how God’s word illuminates our path. Because of the light it brings, it prevents harm and deception while showing us the road to eternal life.
I hope the 11 lessons I have shared with you today have been helpful. If you have questions or comments, please leave a message below. I would love to hear from you!
About the Author
Joshua Infantado is the founder of the Becoming Christians website and the Becoming Christians Academy, an online course. Since 2013, he has been writing Christian articles, and he launched his own YouTube channel. Joshua is deeply passionate about sharing the Word of God and supporting people in their Christian journey.