The Spiritual Discipline of Walking

Photo by Natasha Ward on Unsplash

If you could walk anywhere with God, where would you go and why?

There are so many beautiful places on earth that I find it almost impossible to answer this question (especially when there are so many places I’ve not experienced in person). But for me, key features of this hypothetical (hopefully one day!) ‘Walk with God' would include mountains and valleys, an abundance of trees, an array of wildlife, and water- lots of water- lakes, rivers, streams and waterfalls. And yes, I can feel my breathing calming and my blood pressure regulating just thinking about it. 

I first fell in love with walking ( ‘walking’ as in a similar category to hiking, but not as rigorous) on the Isle of Wight in the UK. I had spontaneously booked a solo holiday to the isle one summer in a desperate attempt to escape, if only for a short time, a tense and unhappy relational situation at home. My accommodation was located close to a beach; surrounded by trails that wound their way uphill to the main coastal path and towards areas of outstanding natural beauty.

I was not dressed or prepared for walking long distances. I remember wearing light slip on trainers and jeans, I had no water bottle or backpack with me, no snacks or other essential supplies. But gazing up at the cliffs I had a strong desire to just walk. So I did. I had no idea where the winding uphill route would take me but I marched on, enjoying the feel of the wind on my cheeks, the sun on my face and the stunning view from the coastal path. Towards the top of the hill I discovered a ramshackle wooden hut providing refreshments. Sitting down with a drink, I looked out on the water from my high vantage point. It was breathtaking. I was tired from walking and my feet ached but it felt good, wholesome and exhilarating. I experienced a real sense of achievement for my effort and calm in my soul.

This became a catalyst for many more walking holidays; to the island of Gozo in the Maltese archipelago, Dubrovnik in Croatia and Catalonia in Spain. Apart from the obvious physical benefits of walking I found tangible joy in exploring hidden places, observing delightful  natural phenomena, meeting local people, and getting up close and personal with the natural landscape. There was something raw and organic about the act of walking. It was also much easier for me to feel connected to a group of strangers as we walked together. We had a shared sense of purpose (to navigate the map properly and reach our destination in one piece!). Conversation flowed and listening came naturally as we walked side by side, steadied by the rhythm of our breathing and the pace of the walk. Since that time it’s been an ongoing theory of mine that ‘walking people’ are my people. 

It should be no surprise then that I treasure all the references to walking with God in the scriptures: 

‘Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze,...’ (Genesis 3:8 CSB emphasis mine)

‘And after he fathered Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and fathered other sons and daughters.’ (Genesis 5:22 CSB emphasis mine)

‘Enoch walked with God; then he was not there because God took him.’ (Genesis 5:24 CSB)

‘Noah was a righteous man, blameless among his contemporaries; Noah walked with God.’ (Genesis 6:9 CSB emphasis mine) 

Notice that the references to walking start from the first book of the Bible. This is significant. This was part of God’s plan from the very beginning. 

How is walking a helpful descriptive of our relationship with the living God?

Walking with God assumes relationship with God. Mankind had the privilege of relationship with the Creator at the beginning of all creation. This is what Christ has reclaimed for us. Jesus has revealed the Father to us. When we are in Christ, we are His friends. It is friends and not enemies who are able to walk together in unity. Jesus made known to us the Father’s will- we are walking with Him not simply for Him. This is the language of camaraderie and companionship- God walking with us and us walking with God. What a beautiful thought, what a mind-bending spiritual reality for the believer. 

Walking with God implies agreement. As the prophet Amos noted; ‘Can two walk together unless they be agreed?’ (Amos 3:3 KJV) Walking with God faithfully will require us to agree with God, even when we may not fully understand. To cry out with the Lord Jesus for His kingdom to come and His will to be done. For earth to resemble heaven. To hunger and thirst for righteousness, knowing that we cannot live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. God does not need our correction, our ideas, our knowledge or our opinions. If we are walking with God we are in agreement with Him. 

God Himself is the leader of the walk. We fall in step with Him as He leads the way. When we walk with God we are following Him down the narrow way which leads to life. He is the way. Jesus’s first command to those early disciples and to us today is a resounding “follow Me”. Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the ones recognised as children of God. He knows where to take us, and if we are paying attention He may point out to us unique and beautiful views along the way.

Walking with God requires obedience to God and His expressed will. When we walk with another we listen to them and fall naturally into a specific rhythm and pace. It would be rude to march on ahead, ignoring the voice or the pace of the one we are walking with. So it is with our walk with God. We walk at His pace, we listen keenly to His directions and His heart. We walk in the light as He is in the light, we pay attention to where we are heading, and we use our God given wisdom to avoid unnecessary obstacles along the path. 

‘For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light’ (Ephesians 5:8 CSB emphasis mine)

‘Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise—making the most of the time, because the days are evil.So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.’  (Ephesians 5:15-17 CSB emphasis mine)

Most importantly, we walk with God because it pleases God. God looked at Adam and Eve, who first walked with God in that glorious garden, and He called them good. He was pleased with them. Noah walked with God and was saved from annihilation. Enoch lived long, had a fruitful family life, and even escaped the sting of death. Why? Because God was pleased with him:

‘By faith Enoch was taken away, and so he did not experience death. He was not to be found because God took him away. For before he was taken away, he was approved as one who pleased God.’ ( Hebrews 11:5 CSB) 

Walking with God will take faith, but as we walk diligently our faith will be strengthened. Let us walk with Him, believing that He is the God of all things, and that He will reward those who diligently seek Him. 

Step by step, one day at a time. 

‘If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.’ ( Galatians 5:25 CSB)