It is indeed ‘new’ as we enter the Year 2025 because we have yet to experience it. To navigate this year effectively, we must allow the Lord to guide us as we follow His lead. This is how God directed the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt, with the Lord going before them while the people followed.
“And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night.” (Exodus 13:21)
The scripture demonstrates how the Lord guided Israel through the wilderness, appearing as a single pillar that served different purposes at different times.
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Pillar of Cloud
During the day, it manifested as a cloud, providing direction when visibility was clear. This symbolizes the moments when God’s word is unmistakably clear. In those times when the Scripture outlines God’s will on a matter—whether it be regarding moral issues such as adultery, stealing, or lying, or actions like prayer, Bible study, and worship—we should obey without hesitation.
The cloud’s role was not to illuminate but to guide. It signals us to move forward with the understanding that God has already provided.
The cloud also provided a covering, which served as defence from heat, rain, and storms. See Psa 105:39, Isa 4:5-6. The pillar of cloud guiding them through the passage of the Red Sea was also a shadow, symbolizing baptism. 1 Cor 10:1-2
As we step into this New Year, let us commit to following the directives God has made clear. Let us follow his leadings through times of difficulty so that we may experience his rest.
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Pillar of Fire
By night, the pillar transformed into fire, lighting their path during times of darkness. The nighttime represents periods when clarity is lacking, when we seek direction for situations where scripture does not explicitly guide us—like job offers, relationships, or the right timing for decisions. In these instances, it’s essential to seek wisdom through prayer. We must ask the Lord to guide us through His Holy Spirit, as He knows the path best.
To navigate this year successfully, we must stay attuned to the Holy Spirit, our guiding light. He will illuminate our way in the dark and reveal the direction we should take.
Holy Spirit in the believer
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. – Romans 8:14
With the story of the pillar of cloud and fire, the New Testament offers a better clarity on God’s primarily guidance for us.
Through His revealed Word—the Bible, He further directs us through the inner witness of the Holy Spirit. The Bible offers us general guidance, while the Holy Spirit provides specific instructions.
For instance, the Bible assures us that God has good plans for our lives, yet it does not outline what those plans are for each individual; that responsibility falls to the Holy Spirit. Because the Holy Spirit resides within each believer, He is able to offer personal guidance that can be relevant on a yearly, monthly, daily, or even moment-to-moment basis.
One of the ways the Holy Spirit leads us is through the ‘Inward Witness.’ This does not manifest as a voice but rather as an impression—a deep sense of knowing within our hearts.
Some refer to this as intuition. The inward witness is not a clear message or audible instruction; rather, it may present itself as an unease about a situation, a sort of internal ‘check’ that signals something isn’t right, even if everything around you suggests otherwise.
Conversely, it might appear as a profound peace regarding a decision. As you pray about specific aspects of your life, you might experience a sense that everything will be okay, giving you an ‘all clear’ feeling even when circumstances seem daunting.
As you seek God’s guidance through prayer, pay attention to these inner signals, as they may well be the Holy Spirit communicating with you.
