Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105, NASB)
My home club is known for its greens. The only defense for the short, land-challenged course, opened in 1912, is the quick and subtle breaking nature of its putting surfaces.
Having played hundreds of rounds on the Lakewood Country Club track, I stand over each putt confident I know the speed and line required without much surveillance.
Put me on a less familiar course and my attitude changes. I’ll take the time to look at the line from both sides of the hole and observe the terrain as I circumnavigate the green.
Should I find myself on a new course with the aid of a caddie, you can bet I’m going to lean on his or her experience to help decipher the nuances of uncharted territory.
One might take a similar approach to reading the Bible.
With each day in the word, I’m assured of kerosene in the lamp illuminating my steps in this dark world.For those who have read it several times, familiar passages may not require deep contemplation. Newer students may want to tap the brakes and digest difficult verses before taking another bite. And who couldn’t use a friend or mentor when entering the Bible reading game?
I like to practice putting. Sure, it can be tedious at times, but I find the discipline of consistent reps keeps me in tune with the flat stick. And it’s a great feeling when the routine pays off with made putts during a knee-knocking tournament round.
The similarities continue with reading Scripture for me. At first I did it out of obligation to my accountability group, but now I like it for the truth I continue to uncover. There are frustrating days, but as today’s verse illustrates, his word is “a light to my path.” With each day in the word, I’m assured of kerosene in the aforementioned lamp illuminating my steps in this dark world.
And what better feeling than to recall helpful verses when a situation calls for it?
Consider 2 Corinthians 1:4, which advises us to “comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” This reminds us what to do when we encounter someone with a need today.
Or maybe you know someone who continues to face downhill sliders in life. Have them try on Proverbs 3:6 for size: “In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (NIV).
I know it’s not that simple, but who wouldn’t want a straight, uphill putt?
—
Drew Hamilton
March 25, 2019
Copyright 2019 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.
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