Living in Hope
4.Walking with God

Even on a holiday we don’t walk without a sense of having a route or at least a destination in mind. We might go ambling along the beach just to relax but always mean to get home again – or on Friday we might have chosen to walk to work from the bus, ferry or train. We always have a goal in mind that keeps us focussed however gently – it’s like a companion that keeps subconsciously reminding us of what we‘re out here for. Of course it’s the same with that symbol of luxury, our car – we have an idea, if not a clear plan, of where we’re heading and want to be.
When the Bible talks about the way we live, it often uses a word that literally means to walk. Hmmm that sounds like a hint that our life is meant to progress towards a goal. How do we work that out?! The answer has always been to walk with God – but what does that mean?!
First, it means in everything you do, put God at the centre, the very first person or thing you consider in making a decision.
Second, familiarise yourself with what God is about; what He says, how He works and says we should work. That means time given to prayer and to reading the supreme revelation of all that God is and is about – the Bible of course.
Third, know that there are many others of us walking with God who may be able to point to the relevant parts of God’s nature and work that should guide you; if even if we don’t we can join our fervent prayers to yours.
Fourth, as a gold standard, if it’s not about love, it’s not about the God we see in Jesus our Lord.
Now, time to put on some walking shoes and venture out into life with the All-Wise.