A Stroll with God (April 26, 2023)

“The Lord is near to all who call upon Him.” (Psalms 145:18)

In a world marred by endless suffering and hardship, bringing gloomy reports dominated by grim statistics and forecasts, we must cast off negativity and walk in the guiding light of Jesus Christ. While we commonly think in grand terms, the little things in life often mean the most. As Christians seeking to walk the narrow path that ultimately winds to a heavenly paradise free of death and sorrow, we should look for the little nuggets of gold that our gracious heavenly Father often places along the way. God’s rich daily blessings are real, but not always obvious and glaring! Sometimes they’re small, seemingly insignificant, and unnoticed by busy minds preoccupied with the cares and concerns of everyday life. Nonetheless, these little divine favors bring delight and encouragement to those who open their spiritual senses to recognize them.

It is refreshing to me to get away from the weighty issues of the day by going for a leisurely prayer walk, enjoying the quiet and beauty of the countryside, engaging in fellowship and conversation with God, and absorbing what He might show me or say to me as I stroll peacefully along by His side. God’s presence is undeniable and His natural wonders abound each precious moment that we bother to hear, see, smell, and touch them. When was the last time you paid attention to the tweeting of a joyful songbird more melodious than any manmade instrument could produce? What more spectacular or divine display could one enjoy than the unparalleled splendor of a brilliant sunrise peaking over a serene distant horizon? What fragrant scent could match the freshness of the newly-cleansed air following a powerful thunderstorm?

Because He loves us deeply and is genuinely concerned about every aspect of our lives, this awesome God blesses us each day in ways that are both obvious and unmistakable and by means that are more subtle and require spiritual reflection and discernment. To experience the fullness and richness of life we must unclutter our minds by, at least temporarily, tuning off the turmoil and tragedy of a fallen world and tuning in to the treasures that God plants along the pathways of the lives of those who trust and obey Him. Let’s seek daily to get away from the clamor of a noisy world for a few well-spent minutes and go for a refreshing, invigorating walk with God or simply take time to sit quietly in His presence with hearts and minds that are attuned to His will, His ways, and the wonders that He wants to reveal to us.

“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalms 16:11)