Jesus gifts us an eternal life of fellowship the moment we choose to follow Him. As a new believer, we’re filled with the Holy Spirit, who guides us on our faith journey. But walking with God is as unique as our personalities. There are times we veer off His path. So, how can we have a closer walk with Jesus and experience the deep fellowship He desires for us?
Walking with God: More Than Just Rules
Walking with God is not just about following rules or performing good deeds. Jesus didn’t approve of the Pharisees because they only obeyed the law to make themselves look good.
Instead, Jesus wants us to know and love Him, follow His ways, and live forever with Him.
The Importance of Walking with God
Our heavenly Father has always desired a close relationship with us. In the beginning, God walked with Adam and Eve in the garden “in the cool of the day” (Genesis 3:8). He wasn’t just watching them; He was walking beside them, conversing, sharing thoughts. Can you imagine how beautiful it must have been?
God still desires that closeness with you today. He longs to walk with you, point out the surrounding beauty, encourage you, and teach you. His desire for fellowship with you is just as real as it was with Adam and Eve.
There are only two individuals in the Bible specifically said to have “walked with God”– Enoch and Noah. Both men had an extraordinary relationship with God.
In Genesis 5:24, we learn that “Enoch walked with God.” Similarly, Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he “walked with God.” Genesis 6:9.
These men were not perfect; they were human, just like us. However, they cultivated a relationship with God that pleased Him. They trusted God completely and walked in obedience, regardless of the challenges they faced.
Enoch’s Walk with God
Enoch’s decision to walk with God seemed to come after the birth of his son, Methuselah (Genesis 5:21-23). For 300 years, Enoch walked faithfully with God, demonstrating total trust and obedience.
Hebrews 11:5 says, “He was commended as one who pleased God.”
Enoch walked with a complete and total faith and trust in God. His greatest desire was to please God, and his faith became a lifestyle.
Noah’s Walk with God
Noah’s faith was equally remarkable. Despite living in a completely corrupt and sinful world, Noah obeyed God completely.
When God told him to build an ark in a landlocked area, Noah obeyed, even though it made no sense to others. He trusted God’s word fully, showing us the power of unwavering obedience.
God Desires to Walk With You
God desires a close walk with us every day. He wants us to experience a transformed life and a deep, joyful relationship with Him, regardless of our circumstances.
Here are five steps you can take to strengthen your walk with God:
1. Cultivate the Faith of Enoch and Noah
Enoch and Noah pleased God because of their absolute faith and trust in Him. Our walk with God begins with believing in Jesus- who He is, what He has done, and the redemption He offers.
Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages us:
“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Let us run with perseverance, the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.”
Our faith is a lifelong commitment to be in an active relationship with Him. It can be hard work; keep your eyes on Jesus!
2. Take in God’s Love
The Apostle Paul prays in Ephesians 3:18, “And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is.”
God’s love is perfect and unfailing; it strengthens and leads us.
Reflect on the enormity of His unconditional love and let it be the firm foundation of your relationship with Him.
Put a favorite love verse on a post-it note in a prominent place, change the wallpaper on your phone, do verse searches or whatever it takes, but get His words of love in front of you. Make His love for you a daily reality.
3. Read and Study God’s Word
The Bible is our guide to knowing God. In Matthew 4:4, Jesus reminds us, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
His Word is life! Studying Scripture equips us with God’s truth, helps us resist temptation, and keeps us aligned with His will.
4. Speak to Him Through Prayer
Prayer is our 24/7 lifeline to God. Turn off whatever distracts you and speak openly with Him about your struggles, your hopes, and your joys. Sit quietly in His presence and listen for His voice.
Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to leave our anxiety behind, present our requests to God, “and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
5. Serve in His Name
Serving others is one way to walk closer to the heart of Jesus. Matthew 25:40 tells us, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Serving not only blesses others but also helps us grow closer to God. We become aware of how we fit into His plans to love and care for His world.
Living Like Enoch and Noah
Enoch and Noah differed from those around them by having loving and humble spirits and sought to seek the will of God.
When we walk closely with God, we will stand out. Our faith will be evident, even amid difficult circumstances.
We won’t ever be perfect, but we can strive to please God, reflect His ways, and live in alignment with His will.
Benefits of Walking with God
Walking with God daily brings spiritual growth and transformation. As we draw nearer to God, we become more like Him, and His Spirit reveals His will for our lives.
Our hearts will align with His, resulting in bearing good fruit.
The closer we walk with Him, the more His light will shine through us, guiding others to Him. It’s a lifelong journey that promises abundant joy and peace.
Really, what’s not to love about this walk??! My prayer for myself and for you is that we remember each day to give more moments over to taking His hand, asking Him for wisdom and guidance, pouring out our concerns to Him, and thanking Him for his goodness, love, and mercy.
“…Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God…” Colossians 1:10.
Reflection Questions on Your Walk with Jesus
- Have you made a conscious decision to devote yourself to daily walking with God?
- In what specific ways do you show your complete trust in God? How do you answer Him when He calls you to do something difficult?
- Do you take time daily to speak to God about your concerns, hopes, and struggles? Are you seeking His direction in all things?
- Which of the steps do you need to work on most? Which ones are your strengths?
Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the privilege of walking with You. Help me draw near to You each day, to trust You completely, and to live in obedience to Your will. May I reflect Your love and grace to those around me and point others to You. Amen.
Blessings!
AnnMarie
All Scripture is taken from the New International Version unless specified otherwise.
Photo Credit: Canva
