My She Reads Truth Lent reading took me through all of the Psalms this past February and March, which was a special gift. So many times, as I was reading, verses made me pause and just thank God for the beauty, wisdom and truth that is found in Scripture. Here is one that stopped me in my tracks:

Send your light and your truth; let them lead me. Let them bring me to your holy mountain, to your dwelling place. -Psalm 43:3

Can you imagine anything better to be led by than God’s light and truth? Wow. I cannot! Glancing back at the list above, none of those things offer any sort of guarantee when it comes to the pursuit of a life filled with peace and joy. None of those things can be counted on without fail. They might be great for a while! In fact, it’s likely they will bring goodness to your life in some way for some period of time. But when your peace and joy come from the world, it is temporary, shallow and unreliable. 

God’s light and truth, on the other hand, are unchanging. They shine forth a steady, unchanging beacon to confidently follow. Through life’s ups and downs, believers can feel certain about God’s unchanging character and where He leads.

The second half of Psalm 43:3 is equally compelling. 

Send your light and your truth; let them lead me. Let them bring me to your holy mountain, to your dwelling place. -Psalm 43:3

When we are led by the shiny promises of the world, we end up who knows where. We do end up in fantastic places sometimes, don’t get me wrong! My bucket list has led me to Times Square on New Year’s Eve, on (separate) travel adventures with each of my siblings and parents, and even to the Great Wall of China. My relationships with students, coworkers, friends and family have led me to all kinds of events, games and fun gatherings that have created lifelong memories. 

But ultimately, none of these things offer anything eternal. It’s all fleeting! Fun? Oftentimes, yes. But when Jesus calls me home, my photographs from the Great Wall won’t be coming with me, and neither will all of the goodwill I banked with students by sitting in football, basketball and baseball bleachers for hours on end. 

However, a life spent following the lead of God’s light and truth leads me into God’s presence. One day, believers will dwell with Him face to face. But even today, His light and truth can usher us into His presence. By following after God, we can walk through daily life with the peace and joy that comes with the presence of the Almighty God. Doesn’t that sound incredible? 

Jobs, finances, relationships and schedules are all part of life. Honestly, there is no way to really avoid them. But just because they are a part of life does not mean they have to lead you. If you do let them lead you, rest assured they are not prioritizing paving your way toward the dwelling place of God. But God’s light and truth, on the other hand? They are. 

So consider taking a look at your schedule for the next month. Or maybe glance at your most recent bank/credit card statement. Scroll through your recent texts and call log. Think about your routine at the beginning and end of the day. Observe your decision-making process next time something big comes up. And then ask yourself: Who or what is leading me? 

If your immediate answer is not, God’s light and truth, then stop immediately. Turn your attention toward heaven, and ask the Lord to help you shuffle your priorities until He is in His rightful place—at the top, leading the way. May the promise of dwelling with God—not only in eternity, but also today—be all it takes to narrow your focus on Him.

Send your light and your truth; let them lead me. Let them bring me to your holy mountain, to your dwelling place. -Psalm 43:3