Walking with God

 

When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him. (Genesis 5:21-25 ESV).

 

Today we continue our look at the disciplines of faith. Remember these are those persistent habits we develop in order to grow in our knowledge of the grace of God. I’ve used the title “Walking with God” for today’s encouragement. The best illustration I’ve experienced lately of this principle took place at Clark Gardens in Mineral Wells, Texas. This beautiful spot is located very near us, yet we hadn’t visited it since moving back. Some friends of ours suggested that we all go and have a sack lunch in the gardens. I had no idea it would be as peaceful as it was. It consists of 50 acres of various botanical plantings, quiet walkways, and even a peacock or two. The fountains and ponds provide further beauty. As you can see from the photo, Mary found a nice spot to sit and relax for a bit near one of the larger water features.

 

There were six of us walking along the pathways. We enjoyed casual conversation and solitary quiet at different times along the way. We hardly met any others until later in our meandering through the trails. Those few we met were not known to any of us which prompted little more than a polite nod or a brief greeting as we passed. With such a large expanse of trails it was easy to have a minimum of interaction with others outside our group.

 

Our reading today reveals something of our spiritual journey I was reminded of from our visit to Clark Gardens. While we really don’t know very much about Enoch, since his entire life story is summarized in a few words. The outstanding characteristic of his life was that he “walked faithfully with God.” (cf. Hebrews 11:5). He had the kind of relationship that prompted him to walk with God much the same as our group walked with one another. Because of Covid this was the first time we had gotten together in a year. We had lots of catching up to do!

 

When God calls us to walk with him, he is looking for something more than a mere friendly greeting as we meet him on the path. It is possible to recognize God as someone we admire as we meet him often on the path of life, but he wants more for each one of us. God wants us to match his steps, converse with him, and take time to get to know him more fully. He has lots to tell us if we will listen. Develop that skill and you will find a wealth of joy and peace.