The Bible recounts several people noted for “walking with God,” beginning with Enoch as documented in the book of Genesis. Additionally, Noah is recognized from the scriptures as being “a righteous man, blameless in his generation, who walked with God faithfully,” as stated in Genesis 6:9.
God desires everyone to walk together with him. In line with this, Micah 6:8 provides an insight into what God truly wants from us: “We must do what is right to others. We must love doing kind acts to people. And we must walk alongside God with humility.” So, what does it actually mean to walk with God? What is the key to walking in God’s presence? And how do we learn to follow in God’s footsteps?
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What Does It Mean To Walk With God?
You are in harmony with God and his principles when you are walking with him, based on Amos 3:3. Nobody is flawless, so when you walk with him, your primary goal must be to have your greedy wants disappear in order to watch God reshape you further and further into the likeness of his Son: “Thus, if anyone comes to Christ, he is a different person. The old has passed; indeed, the new has arrived” (2 Corinthians 5:17; also read 2 Corinthians 3:18).
The word “walking” in the Bible generally pertains to a way of life. We are able to follow common practices (2 Kings 8:27; Colossians 3:7; Ephesians 2:2). Having a lifestyle of constantly walking with God is generally alluded to as “walking in the Holy Spirit” in the New Testament (Romans 8:4; Galatians 5:16).
When we decide to walk with God, we do so at all costs, choosing to exalt him[1] in all that we do every single day. And there’s a price to pay. In order to walk with God, we must reject the company of bad people (Psalm 1:1–3). We opt to take the difficult path rather than the easier path to tragedy (Matthew 7:13–14) because our lives are not lived to appease our sinful nature (Romans 13:14).
What Is The Secret Of Walking With God?
Walking with God means allowing us access to the realm where he reveals the workings of his heavenly kingdom. The ancients traveled these routes before us. Abraham (Genesis 24:40) and Noah (Genesis 6:9) both understood the answer to walking with God. You can also experience the beautiful benefits of knowing God through Christ, and even to a higher level, thanks to the divine Holy Spirit who was bestowed upon us.
God will utilize those who walk beside him. But he’s notably on the lookout for three essential traits: faithfulness, humility, and loyalty. God seeks allies who will stand by him regardless of the circumstances.
True friends of God keep walking with him despite conditions that could lead one to believe God is unjust. Therefore, the Lord will test our loyalty. We become appropriate vessels when we demonstrate that we are his true friends by enduring the worst tragedies in life.
How Are We To Walk With God?
Walking Towards God’s Way
We can follow the well-designed path that God made for us. We are all to walk as Jesus walked, keeping an eye out for any challenges that may come our way. Christ’s teachings and example of total devotion to God and selfless love for others should be emulated for us to live in the same way today (1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6). We must genuinely serve God to have eternal life with him.
Walking At The Same Speed As God
We are to share the message and teachings of the Gospel of Christ as we move along in our everyday lives. We must refrain from attempting to walk in front of the Lord or trail behind him. We must follow God’s ways at God’s pace from the teachings of God’s word.
Additionally, the concept could be connected to the “word of peace,” which suggests that Christians could share the gospel wherever they go and incorporate it into their daily difficulties, according to Matthew 28:18–20.
Walking Intimately With God
Walking in God’s progress is “walking by faith.” God means that throughout our Christian life, we must try to live by faith. Suffering changes from time to time. Thus, we must have a courageous spirit and persevere in our walk with him (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Paul explains in Colossians 2:6 that we must accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord. We shall walk with him (to act and behave in accordance with faith). As followers of Christ, actions are essential (1 John 3:17–18); however, they must occur after restoring faith.
Practical Steps To Walk With God
Walking with God offers numerous benefits that can enhance our lives emotionally and psychologically. Studies have shown that people with strong spiritual connections experience reduced stress levels, improved overall well-being, and a greater sense of meaning and fulfillment. This practice can help us navigate life’s challenges with a sense of calm and resilience, knowing that we’re not alone in our journey.
- Daily Reflection And Prayer: Take a few moments each day to reflect on your thoughts, express gratitude, and seek guidance. Through prayer, you can create a sense of closeness to the divine.
- Study Sacred Texts: Explore and study scriptures or spiritual texts relevant to your beliefs. You can gain insights, receive mercy, and be inspired to lead a life aligned with God’s teachings.
- Acts Of Kindness: Practice kindness and compassion towards others. This not only reflects godly qualities but also deepens our connection with the divine source as we gain a more loving relationship with God.
- Cultivate Virtues: Strive to embody virtues such as compassion, humility, patience, and forgiveness. Practicing these virtues not only aligns you with the teachings of your faith but also contributes to personal development and a harmonious life in every way.
- Practice Gratitude: Gratitude is a fundamental aspect of spiritual growth. Regularly acknowledge the blessings in your life and express gratitude to God. To walk with God means to shift your focus from what you lack to what you have, fostering contentment and a positive outlook every day.
- Group Mindfulness And Meditation: Engaging in mindfulness and meditation practices with others can create a powerful sense of shared energy and experience. This communal aspect can enhance the individual’s meditation experience, making it deeper and more profound than when practicing alone.
- Seek Guidance From Spiritual Leaders: Spiritual leaders, such as pastors, priests, or rabbis, can offer ordinary men valuable insights and guidance on their spiritual journey. Their experience and wisdom can help you navigate challenges every day and deepen your understanding of your faith.
- Seek Community: Joining a spiritual community provides a supportive environment where we can share experiences and learn from others. We can collectively grow in our spiritual journey to walk with God by being with others who share our beliefs.
How To Learn To Walk With God?
We can learn to walk with God through biblical figures such as Enoch. Although he is a lesser-known figure in the Bible, Enoch walked with God. He was an inspiration and role model of faith who “walked with God,” according to Genesis 5, and “delighted God,” according to Hebrews 11.
As declared in Hebrews 11:5, “By faith, Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death ‘and was not found, because God had taken him’; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”
He persisted in seeking God until he had mastered how to communicate with God and serve God in all facets of life. It took him a lot of spiritual searching to discover that aspect of the partnership and to approach God’s throne, and when he did, God decided to send a striking message by raising him in his forever paradise.
By fully trusting him, Enoch walked with God and formed a trusting relationship with him. He attained faith by reading the Holy Bible. Thus, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing comes through God’s word” (Romans 10:17). We cannot have trust apart from God’s will. Faith is knowing God’s will and trusting him, not speculating about it, just like how Enoch walked with God.
Understandably, even though you can be like Enoch and have strong faith, it’s natural to encounter challenges and doubts along your spiritual journey. Remember that God means love, and instead of suppressing them, embrace them as opportunities for growth. Seek answers through prayer, study, and introspection, and remember that moments of questioning can lead to deeper insights.
Learning to walk with God is a transformative journey that involves nurturing your faith, seeking wisdom, and embracing a life of purpose. It’s about more than rituals; it’s about cultivating a deep and meaningful relationship with the divine.
By following these steps and embracing the principles of faith, prayer, community, and virtue, you’ll find yourself on a path of spiritual growth that leads to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. So, take the first step on this profound journey of walking with God. The most important thing is to open your heart to the guidance and love of God.
Conclusion
As followers of Christ Jesus, we can walk and travel with him all through our whole earthly existence until we reach heaven. Through praying and understanding his Word, we can communicate with God to learn more about his love for us and to gain insight and wisdom into how he wants us to lead our lives in this world (1 John 3:1; Psalm 32:8).
As A. W. Tozer quotes, each person should strive to “live in a state of unbroken worship.” It is through this practice—when we spend time with God daily—that we will achieve our heart’s desire.
