The Story: Lantern in the Night
In early December 2025, as I was preparing for some big changes in the new year, God gave me a brief vision of a person carrying an old lantern on a dark road. Immediately, He gave me the verse found in Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
This verse has encouraged me throughout January. Sometimes, the light only shows the next step. Other times, the Light of the World, Jesus, walks ahead of me and shows the entire road. I can almost see Him standing there, shining His light for me to take the next step.
Anytime I talk about the Word of God, I refer to the printed words in the Bible. It is one of the most important ways God speaks to me. Yes, He also speaks to me through dreams and visions, but they must all be understood in the light of the Bible. God’s wisdom in the Bible helps me unlock the mysteries of my dreams.
Reading the Bible is one of the most important spiritual practices I incorporate into my life on a daily basis. It allows me to understand God’s heart and wisdom. In my personal experience, every time I sit with the Bible with a true desire to know God and to be known by Him, I hear Him speak. While God already knows us perfectly, we need to learn to see ourselves through His eyes.
The Holy Spirit points out things I should pay attention to. He convicts me of hidden sin, counsels me, guides me into the knowledge of God, and encourages me to keep my eyes on Jesus. He guides me like an amazing teacher and a friend. I usually read God’s Word first thing in the morning, and then again whenever I can find the time throughout the day.
This often means I have to wake up before everyone else in my home. As a working mom, quiet time is hard to come by, but I need to be filled with the strength God gives me before I can pour out onto others. That is why I do it first thing in the morning. I usually read until I feel satisfied or until I truly run out of time. My goal is always to linger in His Word and His presence as much as I can. The more time I spend reading and meditating on His Word, the easier it is to bear fruit in my life. I need God’s Word to prune me and change me so I can better understand His ways, for His ways are perfect.
Reading the Bible isn’t always easy for me. I get distracted, and sometimes I don’t read more than a few verses. But the intentionality of lingering in His presence with the Bible in my hand has allowed me to see God’s faithfulness, even through my imperfect attempts to know Him more.
Are you feeling lost and unsure of your next step? Let me encourage you to pick up the Bible and read it with a deep desire to know God and to be known by Him. The Gospel of John and the Psalms are great places to start. It is often a slow and steady process, but if you keep at it, you will soon hear His voice guiding you step by step.
