Probing Proverbs: 4:18-19 The way of the righteous is like
the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of
day. But the way of the wicked is like total darkness.
Scripture expresses the difference between a life close to God,
versus, one far from Him in many various ways. Here we see one of the key descriptions
used in His Word, “light” versus “darkness.” This is because these two intangible qualities become very
tangible when we experience them while trying to navigate a path or a
stairwell!
Interestingly I know many individuals that prefer darkness…I am
one of them…when it comes to doing many other things in life. I like it
pitch black when I sleep, and when I have prayer times or devotions I like it
best before dawn, and I use candlelight. In fact, when I Pastored in Roanoke, my office was in an old house, and
had a fireplace, during winter I loved having my office completely dark and
sitting by the fire either praying or reading. That kind of darkness quiets me
and moves me to a frame of mind to commune with my Maker. However, when I am
trying to physically travel somewhere I want lot’s of light so I can see where I am going
and able to identify any trouble coming!
Once I was out very deep in the woods on my motorcycle,
it was very late at night and quite dark. I ran over a fallen tree branch, which
flipped up and broke my headlight. Getting back was very arduous and slow even
though I was very familiar with the terrain. I did not relax until I saw lights
flickering through the thick trees, showing me that I was almost back into the
light.
When we choose to live far from God this Proverb describes it
as “total
darkness.” When a person walks in that environment they have no idea what
they are stumbling over. Being in dark forest can be very dangerous. You might
only stumble over a rock or log, but what if just behind it is a large ditch or
even a cliff. What was thought to be a small trip becomes a life-threatening
fall. If on the other hand you are in a dark forest and you wait to move after
that first sunbeam breaks through at dawn, then you can see in front of you.
You move slowly, but as the sun comes up the whole forest is illuminated and
you can move more quickly but also safely, identifying the stumbling blocks and
what's just beyond them. 
This is even a greater Truth as we endeavor to travel
spiritually through this world. This world is full of darkness and many times
it would be wise for us to slow down our decisions or our reactions and wait
for the Holy Spirit to illuminate us to what God’s direction would be. When we make
decisions in the “darkness” of sin, or even in very high or low emotions, we may find
ourselves falling deeper into trouble. 
The spiritual “light” the
Holy Spirit brings will expose the stumbling blocks of sin, and will bring a
calm to our emotions so that whatever action or decision we make, it can be
done in the “light” of God’s Truth! If we choose to remain in darkness – be
ready for disaster! Choose to walk with God and because He is Light, you will
be in the light. Choose wisely!
The so what? Do you hurry to decisions?
Are your actions usually based on emotions of the moment? What would it look
like if before you took spiritual steps, you slowed down and waiting for the
Spirit of God to give you light? Think of the last 5 decisions you made; were
they quick? If so, what was the outcome? Can you remember a time where you
allowed God the time to enlighten your path? How did things go? Which question
is more important to you: “How quickly can I get down the path of life?” or “Will
the end of my path be the best one?”
