"If you pick 'em up, Lord, I'll put 'em down."
Prayer of a Tired Walker ~ Author Unknown
Do you like to walk? It’s great exercise, fairly inexpensive, and good for you! City living seems to require more walking than life for most people in the suburbs. Country folks walk quite a bit too. Getting enough exercise is a challenge. We are such a sedentary society aren’t we? Perhaps if the price of gas continues to climb, this will have a major impact on how we get around and we’ll all be in better shape!
My favorite place to walk is on a beach. Beach walking is not necessarily power walking in my book. I like to stroll leisurely at water’s edge, rummaging around for sea shells or bits of sea glass to add to my collection. Whenever I can persuade Rick to walk with me at the beach, I have to remind him to slow down and just enjoy.
Walking with a companion is very pleasant. Whether it’s just casually ambling along the beach or in the woods or striding with purpose to reach a particular destination, it's great to share the journey with a friend.
Scripture records, “Enoch walked faithfully with God...” (Genesis 5:24a, NIV) How did Enoch accomplish this? At church, we often talk about walking with God. What does that mean exactly? Isn’t God a Spirit? In response to the question, “What is God like?” the child’s catechism explains,“God is a spirit and does not have a body like man.” How then is it possible to walk with God?
I did a little searching and found a few things that Scripture reveals about the matter. I read, “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart— they do no wrong but follow his ways.” Psalm 119:1-3, NIV From this passage, we could determine that walking with God is to walk or live according to God’s commands. That makes sense. Read on.
Psalm 23:4 tells us, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (NIV) Does this speak of a literal walk in valleys? More likely, it refers to how we walk figuratively through the ups and downs of life. This verse tells us that God is with us during difficult times as a shepherd would walk with his sheep to guide, comfort and protect them out on the hillside. Walking with God in this example means that we benefit from God's care as we walk with Him.
Have you ever tried walking through your house in the dark? You may think you know where everything is located, but stuff gets moved! I always watch out for my black cat (can’t see her in the dark) and fuzzy cat toy mice. Friends with kids tell me there is nothing worse than stepping on Legos in the dark. Ow! It is definitely better to turn on the light. “Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12, NIV) Walking in spiritual darkness is not advised either. Walking through life with Jesus as the light in your soul is also walking with God.
Physical walking is good for us. It strengthens us and helps us clear our minds. Spiritually, walking with God is also beneficial as we see His help each day through prayer and Scripture. If your walk with God is regular and determined, you will be able to withstand the challenges that life throws at you.
Walking with God? Not as hard as it sounds. Where should you start? Trust Christ as Savior, attend church, study God's Word and be obedient to it, spend time in prayer, and allow His Truth to guide your life. You can't find a better walking companion that our loving Heavenly Father!
Nancy Wilson
Bellefonte, PA
To receive her weekly devotions, just write her at nantzjw@yahoo.com
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