Shine like the morning sun

Over the last week I've been meditating on what it means to truly be the light of the world, as Jesus calls us to in the Sermon on the Mount. As I lean on Scripture to understand, Proverbs 4:18 jumped out at me, offering a vivid and inspiring image of the path of righteousness. Here’s how I reflected on this verse using the SOAP Bible Study method. I hope it encourages you as much as it encouraged me.

Scripture (S)
"The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day." – Proverbs 4:18

Observation (O)
This verse paints such a beautiful picture. Who doesn’t love watching the sunrise? It starts off soft and dim, but as the day goes on, it grows brighter, warmer, and stronger. That’s how the path of righteousness is described here—a journey of growth where things get clearer and brighter as we keep moving forward with God.

It’s also a reminder that this brightness isn’t instant. It’s gradual, unfolding over time. And it’s not just about us—it’s about how our light shines out to others. It ties beautifully into what we discussed in the podcast about being the light of the world. God’s light in us isn’t just for our benefit; it’s meant to illuminate the lives of others.

Application (A)
This verse challenged me to take a hard look at my own life. Am I letting God’s light shine brighter in me, or have I been holding back, staying stuck in the shadows?

One thing I felt especially convicted about was how my light impacts those around me. Am I intentionally encouraging and guiding others, or am I so caught up in my own struggles that I forget my calling to reflect God’s love?

Here’s what I’m committing to do: This week, I’m going to reach out to someone who might be struggling or feeling lost. It could be a simple text, an offer to pray, or just being there to listen. Whatever it looks like, I want to be intentional about shining God’s light into their life.

Prayer (P)
God, Thank You for being the light in my life and leading the way, even when I get stuck or distracted. I love that You’re always working to help me grow and shine brighter. Please guide me to stay on the path You’ve set for me, and help me to be intentional about sharing Your light with others. I pray my actions reflect Your love and bring encouragement to others. Thank You for always being there to guide me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Proverbs 4:18 is such a powerful reminder of the journey we’re all on and the responsibility we have to let God’s light shine in us and through us. As you reflect on your own journey, I hope this devotional inspires you to step out of the shadows and let your light grow brighter. Let’s keep encouraging one another as we walk the path together.

If this reflection on Proverbs 4:18 resonated with you, I encourage you to dive deeper into the idea of being the light of the world. In the latest episode of the Destiny Awaits podcast, we explored what it truly means to be the salt and light of the world, as Jesus describes in the Sermon on the Mount. We unpacked how these metaphors call us to live lives of influence, purpose, and love, reflecting God’s character to a world in need. If you’ve ever wondered how your faith can make a tangible impact, this episode will inspire and equip you to shine brightly in your everyday life.