“The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn that shines brighter and brighter until the full day.
“The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know over what they stumble” (Proverbs 4:18-19).
There are more biblical prophecies about the end of this age than any other subject in Scripture except for the Messiah. Many of these prophecies describe this time as one of increasing darkness and troubles that become greater than the earth has ever experienced before. They also describe a time of increasing light and manifestation of the glory of the Lord, which also become greater than the world has ever experienced. This may be why it is called “the great and terrible day of the Lord” (see Malachi 4:5). It will be great for some, terrible for others.
This study will help us get on the “great” side of what is unfolding. As these prophecies also declare, we will have to choose which it will be for us, light or darkness, glory or troubles. To do this, we must be fortified with the knowledge that will help us recognize and choose the path that leads to increasing light and glory.
The obvious first sign that we are on “the path of the righteous” or right path is we will experience increasing light. If this is not the case, and we are experiencing greater darkness and depression, we know we have somehow drifted from the right course. Our first step must be to get on the right path.
There is only one right path, but there are multitudes of wrong ones. This may seem complicated, but it actually simplifies our ability to recognize the right path and stay on it. The markers are clear when we are on the right path. They are not clear when we are on a wrong path, as the above verse in Proverbs states, “The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.” If we are stumbling about with no clear signs, we are not on the right path.
The increasing light we should be experiencing also makes our path increasingly clear, enabling us to walk with increasing boldness and confidence. This does not imply the path of the righteous does not have trials and troubles, but we can see them more clearly and therefore navigate through them easier.
The key word here is “easier,” meaning it will not be easy, just easier. In some ways, the right path, the true Christian life is the most difficult we can live. In other ways, including the most important ones, it is far easier than the alternative. Not to mention the path of the righteous leads to a much better conclusion for all eternity.
God gave us free will, because without the freedom to choose, there could be no true worship, faithfulness, honoring, or other elements of moral excellence. If we were forced to worship, there would be no worship in spirit and truth. The Lord wants us to serve Him because we want to, not because we have to. The worship the Father seeks is from the heart because we understand and agree with it, not because we are forced.
So, our decisions are a major factor in determining who we are and what we really believe. Studies have shown that more than 80% of all people are fearful of making decisions, since they are more afraid of making the wrong decision than they have faith for making the right one. Most people just want to be told what to do and what to think. They are happier that way and can become agitated when forced to make decisions. For them, freedom is a challenge and even a threat to their personal equilibrium.
However, this is not the way we were created. This is not the natural state of any human being, and it will most certainly cause us to depart from the path of life. We are called to “reign in this life,” not have life reign over us. If our peace or internal equilibrium is found in letting others make important decisions for us, it will ultimately lead to failure in what is most important in life—how to walk the path of life. When times of trouble come and external conditions get shaky, those with this mentality either become helpless victims, or do something uncomfortable and contrary to their present nature—become decisive and take control of their lives.
Learning to trust our own resourcefulness can bring a far greater transformation, stability, and peace than we can ever have by being dependent on others. However, this is still not the highest level we can attain. To go from being dependent to independent is a major leap forward and necessary, but to reach the highest level, requires interdependence. This begins when we connect and relate to our Creator as we were created to do, and through Him relate to other members of His body as we were called to do. This is our ultimate calling and our ultimate maturity.
© 2022 Rick Joyner. All Rights Reserved.
