I Will Walk Before the Lord...

“A man who walks with God always gets to his destination.”  - Henrietta C. Mears

Some may walk because it's the only reliable means of transportation they have. Others may walk for exercise and health reasons. Still others may walk for charitable or political causes, and the like.     

But, there is another type of "walk" that we need to concentrate on as a body of believers. This has to do with our conduct, that is, the way in which we carry ourselves, and our progress or growth as individuals.

We all have "ways," we all "walk" somehow. But there is a difference between us spiritually, and it doesn't have a thing to do with whether we actually walk or not. Instead, it has to do with walking rightly and wrongly. Or, better yet, walking to heaven and to hell.

A continuous, unceasing state of action is emphasized here. It's the universal law. Some walk after, or follow the spirit, while others pursue the flesh. Some walk in darkness, others walk in light. True religion, however, is walking with God.

I point to Psalm 116:9 (KJV), which reads: "I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living." This noble resolution is truly worthy of adopting as our own. Let's look at it's words a little more closely, beginning with, "I will walk before the Lord."

Understand that it is a walk of faith in God. Faith in the heart is always connected with light in the mind. The exercise of faith, suggests the possession of knowledge. There must be faith in the being, character, promise, and covenant of God, and in His Son.

It is a walk of communion (affinity) with God. A coming together must exist before communion can be enjoyed. It is faith that joins us to God. You must walk with him not only in public rites and ceremonies, but privately, as well.

It's also, both, a walk of dependence and a walk of devotedness to God. It includes a surrender of the heart, the devotion of the soul, and the consecration of the life; and implies activity, and progression. Now, where is the full impact of all of this best experienced?

The last part of the Psalm tells us, "in the land of the living."  It's here, and only here,on this earth that the ordinances (mandates) of religion are to be enjoyed. There are no directives to follow once we are in the grave. Nor are there any to follow in hell. All who are there are beyond the reach of mercy.

In fact, there aren't any in heaven either. There isn't any reason for them because everyone there has received the end of their faith. Sadly, those who will not know God here in the riches of his grace, shall know him afterwards in the terrors of his justice.

In closing, where is your "walk" taking you? Your walk here presently, can affect you eternally. Here, and only here, grace is in abundant supply. Here, and only here, hope always flashes to light up the impenetrable darkness. Therefore, walk, but walk faithfully.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:7; Deuteronomy 5:33; Micah 6:8; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 2:6

Prayer: Dear God, you have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from falling, I pray that I may walk before You in the light of life always, amen.

God be with you always,

Kate