Hiking is my passion. Over my lifetime, I’ve found that nothing calms my soul like a trek through the forest. The scent of pine and the chatter of birds within the trees draw me into a holy communion with the Lord. Nature is His tabernacle. It’s in these wild places—not within the walls of a church—I first began walking with God.
You see, my love of remote trails started within my home state of Indiana. I’ve lost count the number of times I’ve revisited one of my favorite hikes in Turkey Run State Park. Portions of trail 3 take you through a narrow ravine carved out of stone by a meandering creek. Hemlocks lean over the cliff edges and often a mist hangs in the air, magically transporting hikers back into pre-historic times. There is such a peace and tranquility gained from walking within these deep woodlands where brilliant spring wildflowers blanket the forest floor.
On winter hikes at Clifty Falls, the sight of partially frozen waterfalls amazed me as they tumbled into the canyon below. The sunlight was almost too bright as it reflected off the snow and ice. Away from everyday noise and stress, these are heavenly meeting places.
It’s not difficult to feel like I am walking with God in these locations. I have no agenda or distractions to pull me away. But what about the other 95% of my time spent in the “real” world? How do I walk with God then?
The Bible is replete with references to people who walked with God: Adam and Eve in the garden, Noah, Abraham, and Moses, to name a few. They had close, intimate communion with God. Is this type of relationship only a thing of the past? I don’t think so.
I believe that this is the role of the Holy Spirit: to walk with each one of us in our daily lives. But we have to choose to let the Spirit be our companion.
Our hearts need to be open, and we must leave space in our busy schedules to listen as well as tell the Spirit what’s on our mind, just as we would a friend. If we didn’t take time for intimate communication with our friends, would we have meaningful relationships with them? Probably not.
Yet, it’s difficult to explain this type of relationship with the Spirit to someone who has never experienced it. Receiving the Spirit isn’t generally as dramatic as it was for the disciples on Pentecost with a strong wind and fire.
Typically, the Spirit speaks in a subtle voice, giving you the right words to say at the right time. It nudges you to offer a hug to your neighbor at the moment they need it most. When you least expect it, the Spirit presents itself as unseen hands on your shoulders and an inner voice resonating within your mind. I want you to do this; you can help.
I’ve experienced all these things and more throughout my lifetime. Deep in my being, I know these holy encounters are not just in my imagination but come from God. They are real.
Walking with God is a choice to travel life beside Him—not in front or behind Him.
This relationship is a powerful partnership. If a person walks behind Him, they can see what He is doing through other people, but they are not a part of it. They know God exists, but they keep their distance and don’t get involved in His work.
If a person walks in front of God, they may be doing great work helping others. However, they might not be where God wants them to be or where they fit best. They are leading the way, not permitting God to be in charge.
Then there are others who just wander away aimlessly. They are like sheep who keep their heads down while eating. When they finally look up, the Good Shepherd is nowhere in sight. I’ve been all of these people at various times in my life. Thankfully, the Lord is always searching for me, bringing me back to His side.
The best place is the position next to God as a friend.
Every day He is there to give you advice and show you the right path uniquely suited for you. He cheers you on in the good times and promises to carry you through the bad. The joy of this kind of relationship is unlimited.
Often, however, I see others setting their focus solely on the future. They mistakenly identify Heaven as the only place to commune with God. But this kind of thinking forgets that Jesus said the Kingdom of God is here now. Eternity begins for each one of us at our birth, not at our death. Now we’re walking with God through the Spirit, but someday we will see Him face to face. Take that first baby step by opening your heart to the Lord and enter into this powerful partnership—now and forevermore.
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8 NIV
*Featured photo courtesy of Canva.
