Walking, Walking, and Walking Some More!

Since my spinal surgery nine weeks ago, and in the months leading up to it, I have not been able to run. I have, however, been able to walk. So, in fact, I’ve been doing a lot of walking—through the neighborhood, at local parks, and on a treadmill. Since my surgery, my step count has been steadily rising. At this stage of my recovery it’s been walking, walking, and walking some more! 

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy going for a walk. And walking is great for the body, especially if one walks long enough and at a strong enough pace. I do, however, miss going for a run (which I know many of you cannot understand!). But since I haven’t been able to run, I’ve done what I consider the next best thing (which, in some regards, may actually be the better thing) and that is walk and walk and walk some more. 

The Bible often likens the way we live our lives to going for a walk. The picture given to us is of life as a road or path which we are on and which we walk. Actually, it is a picture of many roads or paths from which we are to choose—i.e., which one will we walk? Eventually, we will all walk on path and in one way or another. 

The psalmist wrote, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked….” (Psalm 1:1 – NIV) And, “Blessed are those...who walk in the light of your presence, LORD.” (Psalm 89:15) 

The Apostle Paul instructs us to “walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16) and “walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us….” (Ephesians 5:2). The Apostle John wrote, “If we claim to have fellowship with him (God) and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:6-7) 

We are all walking, walking, and walking some more. Life is a journey; as long as we are alive we are on a walk. We are going somewhere. We are moving forward. But, we must ask ourselves, where and how?  Are we walking in such a way that we might know the blessing of God upon our lives? Are we walking towards him—or, maybe away from him and out of his place of blessing? 

Let me encourage you today to walk in such a way that God’s blessing might be upon you. Walk with him today, tomorrow, and every day…until you walk into eternity with him. 

Have a great day.  And maybe get out there and go for a walk!

- Pastor Tim Harris