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I. EVERY MAN HAS A PATH OF HIS OWN. God has undoubtedly fashioned our hearts alike; that is, there are certain broad resemblances which every heart bears to every other heart. There are also equally well-known and accurately marked differences. Each man possesses the same elements, so to speak, but has them in different proportions. Contend as we may, our natural bias, our education, our position, the general and trivial events of our lot, do help to make our paths, which seem outwardly parallel, like two lines running side by side, yet as two lines still, separate and distinct.

II. Our paths are manifestly divergent; yet in one respect we find them alike: THEY ARE OFTEN SHROUDED IN GLOOM.

1. The very lamp itself sometimes perplexes. "The Word of the Lord tries" us: its principles, its promises, even its facts.

2. Perplexity arises from duty. We feel great difficulty in coming to any decision; not because we are reluctant to obey, but because we cannot quite see which has the first and Superior claim.

3. Perplexity comes from bereavement, and comes to all of us, sooner or later, from this source. We find it hard, in the first paroxysm of sorrow, to see anything but harshness in our loss. We think of others we could have better spared.

III. In all our darkness GOD'S WORD SUPPLIES THE TRUE ILLUMINATION. "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." This light is pre-eminent. God has not left us without other aids to lessen the darkness. Reason is a light kindled by Jehovah Himself. Companions are as lights. But this light of God's Word stands before all other lights. Reason helps; this helps reason. Companions help; this helps companions. When we are ready to receive them, there are no words that they can utter so cheering and so full of comfort as the words of God.

(J. J. Goadby.)

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KJV: NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

WEB: Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.