Walk with God
Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.
Genesis 6:9 NKJV
The Bible tells us that Noah was just and perfect in his generations. Incredible! As I ponder this, I am amazed that the word perfect is used. Such a strong word for a man living during such a wicked time. The world was completely saturated in evil then. So much so that God was fixing to destroy it.
But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.
Genesis 6:8 NKJV
We aren't told much about Noah's life, but the key phrase and secret sauce, per say, to his life is revealed. "Noah walked with God." It doesn't say that he served on the board of his local church, or that he volunteered 10 hours a week, or that he never missed a Sunday service...
Noah simply walked with God.
I am not implying that doing those activities is a bad thing, not at all. But, we shouldn't allow ourselves to be kept so busy that it overrides our time spent alone with God; walking with Him, talking with Him and savoring His sweet, quiet Presence in our midst; making Him the center of our thoughts and desires. These are the moments that we soak in His Spirit and become fitted to His image.
Have we over complicated this for our children, as well? So much so that they are being "programmed" right out of developing their own relationship with God?
Deuteronomy tells how we should teach them...
And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 NKJV
Why do we think that we need to add more to this simple and wise recipe for teaching our kids to walk with God? Sadly, we teach them to be just as busy as we are.
The older that I get, the more I realize how uncomplicated my relationship with the Lord really should be. Have we become so entangled in others expectations that we miss the whole point of our purpose? We stack so much into our schedules and get so busy and distracted with what the "world" and our culture says that we should do that we miss out on time to just walk with God, alone and in quiet.
So, what does walking with God look like?
In my life it looks like this....
Inviting Him into my day at the very beginning of the day.
Sitting alone with Him each morning and reading His Word.
Asking Him to order my day.
Thanking Him for everything throughout my day.
Asking for His wisdom, direction and help for everything while I go through my day.
Listening for His voice and looking for His "God winks" all of the time.
And when I don't feel His Presence or hear His whisper, I pause to examine my life. When I see my sin, I turn from it and ask for His forgiveness and for more strength to resist next time.
Overall, it is just being mindful of His presence all day long. Living with this Constant Companion who is so faithful and good has become a habit in my life. A habit that fills my heart with joy and my soul with hope.
Is this the sort of contentment that Paul had? Is this why he could say that in all things he could be content?
I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:12-13
My prayers don't always have words, most of the time they don't. It is more of my heart seeking His heart, seeking to be near Him and to hear His whispers. It is a relationship, pure and simple. It is a deep, abiding friendship that sustains my life.
Pray with me...
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your mercy and grace. Thank You for walking with us and drawing us to You. Help us to be mindful of You all day long. Help us to quiet our lives and listen for Your voice. Forgive us and keep us from busyness. Keep our hearts fixed on You. Deepen our roots in the soil of Your Word, day by day. Like branches of a tree, let our arms be lifted high and reaching for You; always reaching for You and seeking Your beautiful friendship. In Jesus Name, Amen
