Encouragement for Today

February 28, 2024 What Does It Mean To Walk With God? ELIZABETH LAING THOMPSON Lee en español

“Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” Genesis 5:24 (NIV)

When I was a teenager, if I looked out my bedroom window to watch the waking sun paint the treetops gold, I’d often see a bundled figure disappearing into the trees behind our house: my dad, off for his morning walk with God. As he walked, Dad admired God’s creation, shared his worries, and simply basked in his Father’s presence.

Thousands of years before my dad started walking with God, another man did the same. Genesis 5:24 describes Enoch, a descendant of Adam: “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.”

We don’t know if Enoch was outspoken or charismatic, musical or athletic. We know only one thing: Enoch walked with God. Some believe this scripture (along with Hebrews 11:5) shows that God and Enoch were so close that God did not let Enoch die; rather, God simply “took him away” to be with Him always (Genesis 5:24). Whatever the meaning, one thing is clear — Enoch’s life was all about relationship with God. Friendship with God. What a legacy!

Friendship with God sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? And yet many of us aren’t sure how to cultivate it. We long to enjoy prayer, but it can feel intimidating. Formal. And if we’re totally honest, maybe even boring. Even though I grew up admiring my dad’s vibrant prayer life, my prayers have sometimes felt more like holy duty than close friendship.

When my prayers grow distant or stale, I draw inspiration from Enoch’s example and my dad’s. If you, too, are longing for more — more emotion, more connection — what if you took your prayers out of whatever holy box they live in? What if you stopped trying to say the right words and just … spent time with God?

What if you stepped outside, into His glorious creation, and turned your “walk with God” into actual walks with God? And as you walked, what if you simply shared your gratitude, your burdens, your insecurities — your heart — with your Father?

You might pray the Lord’s Prayer, quote a psalm, or simply walk in His presence, commenting on the beauty around you, asking for guidance, even chuckling over life’s mishaps.

When we draw close to our heavenly Father, we can enjoy His friendship wherever we go. We don’t have to be on a prayer walk: We can live in constant communion with God, sharing laughs, seeking guidance and giving thanks all throughout each day.

My dad has dementia now, and though he doesn’t remember our old house or how he loved trees, he still remembers prayer walks. Whenever Dad comes to visit, I ask, “Hey, Dad, do you want to walk and pray together?” He lights up, and off we go — me and Dad and our heavenly Dad. We walk, we pray, and God’s love holds us close.

Father, it is astonishing that You, the almighty Creator, want to share life with us. Thank You for inviting us into friendship with You. Please teach me to walk with You all of my days. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Elizabeth Laing Thompson’s new book, When a Friendship Falls Apart: Finding God’s Path for Healing, Forgiveness, and (Maybe) Help Letting Go, helps you lean into friendship with God as you navigate the pain of a broken friendship.

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Psalm 42:1-2, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” (NIV).

Deuteronomy 6:5-7, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (NIV).

What helps you draw close to God? Share your thoughts in the comments.

© 2024 by Elizabeth Laing Thompson. All rights reserved.