Thomas Dorsey wrote in 1932, “Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; through the storm, through the night, Lead me on to the light: Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.” These words acknowledge that we need the Lord’s guidance to stand in the face of adversity and to be the light.   

As we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. we should know that Dr. King allowed God to lead him as he worked tirelessly on the issues of civil rights, poverty and violence. He was the epitome of service, giving his life to make a difference.

Dr. King prayed on Jan. 24, 1954, at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, in Montgomery, Ala., “Lord, teach me to unselfishly serve humanity.” This short prayer is evidence that King’s work was done under God’s guidance. Today, we are inspired by his dream and work to serve humanity, but let us also be inspired by the God Dr. King faithfully served.

Micah 6:8 states, “He has told you, o mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

This scripture outlines the blueprint. God requires us to do justice. We should strive not to hurt with words or actions and show mercy and kindness. If a person does hurt us, we should show them love. Dr. King often reiterated what Jesus spoke in Matthew 5:44, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

God requires us to walk humbly. God doesn’t want us to walk through life alone. Without God, we can do nothing; with God all things are possible. When we place our hand in God’s, we can love our neighbor as we love ourselves. We overcome the struggles of this world, and we can march on till victory is won. When we follow God, we can stand in the face of adversity without fear.

We press on till we see joy in the morning. With God, we can be the light in our community. We shall overcome someday and today. Walk with God and we can say, free at last, free at last . . . where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. With God, we will get home someday.

Will you do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God? If so, justice will come, freedom will come and victory will come!

REV. MATTHEW SHANNON is pastor of Beulah AME Church in Farmville. His email is pastormatthew.shannon@gmail.com.