INTRODUCTION
Many people start the new year with enthusiasm, energy, and excitement. In high spirits, but they often lose steam along the way.
As we go along in the year, we often face challenges, setbacks, failures, and disappointments that can discourage us and make us want to give up.
But the path of the righteous is different. It is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
This means that, as we journey in year 2025, we should be getting brighter, and not dimmer. We should be growing stronger, not weaker.
“Path”, as mentioned in Proverbs 4.18, refers to the way or manner of life of the righteous.
▪︎ It symbolizes the journey or course of a person’s life, including their choices actions and decisions.
In biblical context, the “Path” can also refer to:
▪︎ Way of life: A person’s lifestyle, habits, and character (Proverbs 2:12-14).
▪︎ Moral direction: The path of righteousness, justice, and morality (Prov. 2:8-9; Ps. 23:3).
▪︎ Spiritual journey: A person’s relationship with God, including their faith, obedience, and trust (Ps. 119:35; Is. 40:31).
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RIGHTEOUS’ PATH.
Proverbs 4.18 speaks of and describes the path of the righteous as “shining light.”
This suggests that the path of the righteous is characterized by:
1. Shining (increasing) Light.
▪︎ The path of the righteous is not static, but rather, it shines brighter and brighter over time.
▪︎ Their way shines to themselves in the joy and comfort of it.
▪︎ It shines before others in the glow and honour of it.
▪︎ It shines before men who see their good works (Matt. 5:16).
▪︎ It is as the morning light, which shines out of obscurity (Is. 58:8).
▪︎ It puts an end to the works of darkness.
2. It is a Growing Light
▪︎ It shines more and more (progressive).
▪︎ Not like candle light, which burns dim and burns down, but like that of the rising sun, which goes forward shining, and mounts upward shining.
▪︎ It speaks of progressive growth. A gradual and continuous growth in righteousness, with each day bringing more light and understanding.
3. The light will arrive, in the end, at the perfect day.
▪︎ It speaks of ultimate fulfilment.
▪︎ The phrase “till the full light of day” sugests that the path of the righteous leads to a ultimate fulfilment or completion, where the believer reaches the fullness of God’s plan and purpose for their life (Jer. 29:11).
The overall summary of Proverbs 4:18 presents a hopeful and encouraging picture of the path of the righteous, emphasizing the idea that, those who follow God’s way will experience increasing light, growth, and fulfilment in their lives.
FOUR KEYS TO START STRONG AND FINISH STRONG
Starting strong is very important but finishing strong is even more crucial.
1. Focus on the Right Path
▪︎ The path of the righteous is not just any path. It is a path that is guided by God’s word and illuminated by His presence.
▪︎ To start and finish strong, we need to focus on the right path. We need to seek God’s guidance and direction in our lives (Ps. 119:105; Jos. 1:8).
2. Cultivate a Strong Relationship with God.
▪︎ The path of the righteous is not just about following rules or regulations. It’s about cultivating (building) strong and deep intimacy with God. Knowing Him, loving Hirn, and trusting Him.
▪︎ When we have a strong relationship and deep intimacy with God, we would have the strength and courage to persevere, even in the toughest times. Tough time will surely come. Is. 43:2 says, “When (not if) you pass through deep waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When (not if) you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon you.”
Heb. 12:1-3 says, “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author (pioneer) and finisher (perfecter) of our faith.”
3. Persevere Through Challenges
▪︎ Starting strong is not enough. We need to persevere through challenges and difficulties.
▪︎ We need to be willing to take risks, face our fears, and push through obstacles.
▪︎ Perseverance helps us grow stronger, and we would become more like Christ. Gal. 6:9 says “Let us not be weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
4. Have a Renewed Mindset. Do Away With The Old, Embrace The New (Is. 43:18-19).
▪︎ God is able to usher us into a realm of newness as the year rolls on, but we must be ready to let go of the old.
▪︎ You must surrender your old way of thinking, from negativity and doubt to positivity and faith.
▪︎ Surrender your old traditions for His new culture to take over.
▪︎ Forget about the failures and disappointments of each passing day and look forward.
▪︎ Don’t dwell on the success and breakthrough of each passing day of the year but let it spur you for something greater.
In this year 2025, start strong, continue stronger, and finish strongest.
May the Lord help us so to do in Jesus’ name, Amen.
PRAYERS
1. Heavenly Father, thank You once again for the gift of this new year 2025. Thank You for all that You have in store for me in this new year.
2. Father, help me to leave past mistakes and failures behind and to start fresh, with a clean slate in Jesus’ name.
3. Father, please help me to do away with the old things in my life that can prevent me from experiencing your newness in every area of my life, even as the year goes on in Jesus’ name.
4. Heavenly Father, grant me wisdom and guidance as I start this new year. Help me to make decisions that align with Your will and plans for my life this year(Prov. 3:5-6; 4:7).
5. I receive divine strength and energy to tackle the challenges of this new year in Jesus’ name (Phil. 4:13).
6. My Father, help me to stay focused and motivated to achieve my goals this year in Jesus’ name (Is. 40:31).
7. As I go on in the journey of this year, I shall not grow weary nor fall by the way side in Jesus’ name.
8. Dear Lord, help me to be faithful and consistent in my walk with You this year in Jesus’ name. I receive the grace and strength to stay on track and to finish the year strong in Jesus’ name (Ps. 119:33-34).
9. Dear Lord, I receive rejuvenated health throughout this year in Jesus’ name.
10. I receive fruitfulness and productivity in all my endeavours this year in Jesus’ name. I will not labour in vain this year in Jesus’ name.
11. Help me Lord to make the most of every opportunity and resources that come my way this year in Jesus’ name.
12. As this year goes on, things shall be getting better for me. I will have better opportunities, better performance, better results, and overall better life in Jesus’ name.
13. Every negative attitude, habits, behaviour, or character that has been working against my progress in the past years, I renounce them this year in Jesus’ name.
14. Father, help me to cultivate attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving throughout this year. Grant me the ability to see Your blessings and goodness in my life and to give you praise and thanks in Jesus’ name.