Walking in His good company
/If you have ever talked with me over the phone, you have likely experienced some frustration. You may have heard dishes clanging in the background, my phone drop as I attempt to carry it and a laundry basket, or perhaps heavy breathing as I exercise and talk with you. I have been asked, “how can I be truly listening, if I am doing other things?” But I have become aware that I actually listen better when I am engaged in a physical activity at the same time. I have a very difficult time simply to sit and converse when on the phone. Just yesterday I had my phone on speaker mode, listening to a dear friend while also standing on the kitchen counter changing a light bulb. But I could tell you every last word she said.
I used to be frustrated that my prayers and time of fellowship with God became so distracted. My mind would wander and I would lose focus. But this self-realization has been very helpful. If I am walking, my conversations with God are much more effective. I actually listen better. Now admittedly, this is probably true for a minority of the population, but for me, this discovery has been freeing. I am no longer hard on myself that I am easily distracted while on my knees, I just start walking! God and I have become great walking companions.
“When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.” Genesis 5:21-24.
“Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.” Genesis 6:9
Apparently the idea of walking with God did not begin with me! Of course I understand that “walking with God” in the context of Enoch and Noah was not a physical walking, but the illustration still makes me smile. The truth is, we can all “walk with God.” God is looking for walking companions. What does that kind of spiritual walk imply? I have come up with several implications—I am sure there are more. (Feel free to send them to me!)
If we want to walk with God, we must be willing to go in the direction He is going. God doesn’t follow us, we follow Him. We follow His ways, His commands, and His direction even if it is contrary to the ways of this world.
While walking with God, we will never tire of being in His company. He always has something to say that is for our purposes. He always wants to comfort us. He always wants to listen. Can we say that about anyone else?
While walking with God, He will never be the One to let go of our hand. We may. He won’t.
It is His desire that the walk be continuous, and without interruption. He wants us to take Him everywhere we go. He wants to walk with us not only in our ministry, but in our marriages, in our workplaces, and in our entertainment.
It is never too late to start walking with God. I love that Enoch began his walk with God when he became a father. (“Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah”) I began walking with God when I had two toddlers. I cannot imagine navigating the journey of raising my children without God’s companionship!
As we walk with God, we become more like Him. Have you ever noticed that if you spend a lot of time with someone, you begin to sound like them? You start sharing expressions and thoughts. Well the same is true with God. “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18
Walking with Him is worth every step. It is never time wasted.
God has a destination in mind as we walk with Him. While we walk with Him here on this earth He desires that we follow Him into heaven. We are invited, as believers in Christ, to spend eternity with Him. Now that is a walk worth taking!