A BRIGHT PATH
PROVERBS 4:18-19
PROVERBS 4:18-19 NKJ
18 But the path of the just is like the shining sun,
That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.
19 The way of the wicked is like darkness;
They do not know what makes them stumble.
One of the key principles of our walk with God is we must mix faith with God's word. In fact, the author of Hebrews said that the nation of Israel did not profit from God's good news proclaimed to them because they did not mix faith with the words they heard. (Hebrews 4:2)
So, when we come across a verse such as verse 18, we must mix our faith with the verse.
The path of the just. Just means right, those who are right with God. That was done for us by Jesus. He made us righteous; we did not earn our right standing. So as the just, our path is bright, not dark. And our path shines brighter until the day we stand before Him. The perfect day. We could read this verse and think, isn't that a nice thought a nice metaphor and never make it applicable to our lives. Or we can read this verse and declare my path is like the shining sun and is shining brighter and brighter.
Immediately our minds may balk at this thought. You may be thinking that I have no idea what's on my path. And my path seems darker and darker, not brighter. But remember, faith is being convinced of what we don't see. If I could see it in my life, I would not need faith. So, my declaration is not based on my present situation or past experiences. My declaration is based on what God's word has said. We always have a choice.
The next verse gives insight into why so many seem so deceived. They are without God, so their way is like darkness. They are not even aware of what is making them stumble. Maybe that thought will help us be more merciful. The apostle Paul writing to the Ephesians, said they were once darkness, but now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. (Ephesians 5:8)
Notice that before connecting with Christ we were, past tense, darkness. But now we are light in the Lord. Thank God we are no longer in the dark. And our path is not dark; our path is bright and getting brighter.
PRAYER:
Thank You, Lord. I am a child of light and no longer in the dark. Thank You. The path in front of me is bright and getting brighter.