A couple of months ago, my usual swivel to get out of bed didn’t work. My mind was halfway across the room but the rest of me refused to move.

A back injury required me to plan each turn and tug of my body. This pain was a doozy. It came courtesy of a mishap as I stretched on my exercise equipment.

Apparently, I sat further back on the bench than I intended. As I anticipated a release from the stress of the day, the opposite happened.

I was ill-positioned and an injury occurred.

The next morning my usual swivel would require much more. With the room dim, my husband out-of-town and my son at school, the light from the hallway was a welcome sight. It gave me focus.

It reminded me of what God’s word does for our lives.

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105 NLT)

If my family was home, I would have called out for their assistance. But alone time, whether we desire it or not, can turn into epiphany time with God.

Eventually, I eased my way out the bed and struggled to a standing position. Grabbing every support in sight — the dresser, a wall, a door post — I made it toward the start of my day.

But I limped the entire way.

With enough light to see my next step and a greater light illuminating my destination, limping was my best effort.

It was a “just as I am” realization.

God welcomes us to receive Christ’s redemption no matter how sinful we are. (Romans 3:23 and 6:23)

And yet, after we receive it, He guides us every step of the way no matter how wounded we become.

If my faith is performance-based, it’s easy to forget truth. While the lamp of His word spotlights my current condition, the light of His word invites me to experience Him regardless of my condition.

It’s an ongoing expression of Christ’s love, the Word who became flesh and lived among us. (John 1:14)

Limping in insecurity, heartache or fear doesn’t sound spiritually attractive. But in Scripture, those who knew they were afflicted were the ones who persistently sought out the Christ.

This Lenten season as I embrace 3 ways to focus on renewal, I’m grateful the lamp and the light lead me on — even if I limp. Because as I follow their lead, I experience God’s grace.

Steady my steps with your Word of promise so nothing malign gets the better of me. (Psalm 119:133 MSG)

Is something trying to get the better of you as you seek to walk with God? Maybe you feel like you’ve already succumbed and it’s too hard to get up.

Try again my friend.

At first, it might look like a spiritual limp. But it can be the best choice we can make.

I choose the true road to Somewhere, I post your road signs at every curve and corner. I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me; God, don’t let me down! I’ll run the course you lay out for me if you’ll just show me how. (Psalm 119:32 MSG)

Eventually, my injury healed and I didn’t need as much help to make my morning swivel.

Depending on our situation, our need for support may vary; but let’s cling to the lamp and the light. It’s the surest way to find hope for the heart and joy to the soul.