The Lamp of the Lord (Proverbs 20:27)

If you truly want to find what lies in the depths of your heart, read the Word. As we read the Word, we become more in tune with the things of God and better understand our own spirit.

"The spirit of man [that factor human personality which proceeds immediately from God] is the lamp of the Lord, searching the innermost parts." Proverbs 20:27, Amplified

Our own spirits are the lamp of the Lord. It is interesting, because we initially become our own judges. It is like this event that happened at my job last week. I was so angry at the people involved and the administration and even myself. But as the week progressed, my spirit was my own lamp. I didn't dwell on what happened necessarily, but I prayed that the Lord would reveal what I needed to do. I eventually wrote a letter of apology, which became more therapeutic for myself. As my spirit searched out my own heart, the Lord revealed the disgusting thing that my heart had become. I actually like to liken this light more to a black light which illuminates al the nasty an dingy stuff that a regular light cannot expose.

Light (Proverbs 13:9)

There is a light within man. It can either be a divine light which shines ever brighter, or his own light which will soon extinguish.

"The light of the [uncompromisingly] righteous [is within him; it grows brighter and] rejoices; but the lamp of the wicked [ furnishes only a deprived, temporary light and] shall be put out shortly." Proverbs 13:9, Amplified

The light of the righteous grows brighter and brighter because it has an eternal source. The body has a tendency to wear out and wind down. If we rely on the Lord, then that light will not be extinguished. It becomes a source of warmth to those around us. With that light we can guide others on the path of righteousness. That light is the example that others need.

If that light should be of a temporal source of our own making, how long will it be before that light burns out? Yes there are those out there who do not have the Lord in their lives and people are drawn to their dynamic personalities. But the source of that light will soon need to be replenished. How can a lamp replenish its own oil? An external source is needed, without it we are doomed to burn out.