The Morning Sun

Date: October 13, 2023

I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional. 

B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share

You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?

B - Bible Verse: "The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day." - Proverbs 4:18 (NIV)

L - Listen for God's Word and pray: Dear Lord, I pray for Your guidance and wisdom to walk in righteousness. May Your Word illuminate my path like the morning sun, bringing clarity and understanding to my life. Help me to seek Your righteousness in all I do. Amen.

E - Explore the History and Meaning: This verse is from the book of Proverbs, often attributed to King Solomon, who was known for his wisdom. It's part of a collection of teachings and proverbs meant to impart practical wisdom for righteous living.  The verse compares the path of the righteous to the rising morning sun, signifying that a righteous life becomes progressively brighter and clearer, like the way it gets brighter as the day goes on. It emphasizes that as we walk in righteousness and follow God's ways, our lives will become more illuminated, filled with understanding and clarity.

S - Study the Key Words or Phrases:

Path of the righteous: This phrase emphasizes a life of integrity, obedience to God's commandments, and moral uprightness.

Morning sun: Symbolizes the gradual, increasing light of God's wisdom and guidance.

Shining ever brighter: Indicates the progressive clarity and understanding that comes from living righteously.

Full light of day: Represents the culmination of wisdom and understanding that righteous living leads to.

S - Summarize and Share:

Do you enjoy witnessing the first rays of the morning sun breaking through the darkness? It's a serene and almost magical moment when the world transitions from night to day. We usually leave the curtains open in our house, even when we are sleeping, because we live in the country and we like to wake up to sunlight.  

But when we go on vacation, we usually sleep with the curtains closed. I remember one particular morning when we had gone on a cruise and I was up early, long before the sun had risen. The room was shrouded in darkness, and it felt like the world was still asleep. But as I went to the window and slowly drew back the heavy curtains, I was greeted by a breathtaking sight. The sky was painted in hues of pink, orange, and gold, and the first light of dawn was casting a warm glow on everything it touched.

This verse from Proverbs 4:18 reminds me of that moment. It speaks of the path of the righteous, shining brighter and brighter until the full light of day. Just like that dawn, our lives can transition from moments of uncertainty and darkness to clarity and brightness. It's a beautiful reminder that as we seek God's wisdom and walk in His ways, our path becomes illuminated. We gain insight, understanding, and a deeper connection with Him.

The journey of faith often mirrors this transition. At times, we may face challenges, uncertainties, or even moments of spiritual darkness. But as we turn to God and His Word, it's like opening the curtains of our hearts to let His light flood in. We begin to see our path more clearly, gaining wisdom and understanding along the way.

So, today, let's embrace the promise of this verse. Let's remember that our walk with God is a journey toward increasing light and understanding. As we seek His guidance and trust in His wisdom, our path will shine ever brighter, scattering the darkness that may try to creep in. This verse encourages us to keep moving forward, knowing that God's light is always there to guide us.

4 Bible Cross References:

Psalm 112:4 (NIV) - "Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous."

Proverbs 2:9 (NIV) - "Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path."

Matthew 5:16 (NIV) - "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Ephesians 5:8 (NIV) - "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light."