WE WALK TOGETHER
My God and I go in the field together,
We walk and talk as good friends should and do;
We clasp our hands, our voices ring with laughter,
My God and I walk through the meadow’s hue.
He tells me of the years that went before me,
When heavenly plans were made for me to be,
When all was but a dream of dim conception
To come to life, earth’s radiant glory see.
My God and I will go for aye together,
We’ll walk and talk as good friends should and do;
The earth will pass, and with it common trifles,
But God and I will go unendingly.
– Austria A. Wihtol, 1935
Using the words of this song, we are going to explore this month some keys to developing a close and personal relationship with God as your Father and your Friend. God said in 2 Corinthians 6:16, “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” In this first lesson, we will take the words in this scripture, as well as the song, to discuss what it means to “walk” with God.
First, is it ____________________________ to walk with God?
Isaiah 2:3 says, “He will teach us his ways so that we may walk in his paths.” 1 John 1:7 says, “If we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” My God and I – We Walk Together!
Second, have ________________________ walked with God?
In Genesis 5:21-24, we find this amazing story of a man named Enoch: “When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. After…he walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 376 years. Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.”
Third, what does it mean to _____________________ with God?
- It means to go in the same ____________________ as God.
The very first two verses in the book of Psalms says this, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked…but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” In Amos 3:3, there’s a thought-provoking rhetorical question, “Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” - It also means to live in the ____________________ of God.
The Bible says that “God is an ever-present help in trouble” Psalm 46:1. Note the key words here: “ever-present”; “help”; when we’re in “trouble.” Now, here’s where your relationship with God can become very close, supportive, and secure. He is with you always. Now you need to learn to live in his presence. Acknowledge his presence. Feel his presence. Be aware of his continual presence. Note these descriptions taken from the Psalms:- “you make known the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence” 16:11
- “Surely you have made him glad with the joy of your presence” 21:6
- “You uphold me and set me in your presence forever” 41:12
- “Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.” 51:11
- “May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever.” 61:7
- And, if you want to go deeper in this concept, take time today to read the 139th Psalm!
- Another way of saying the presence of God is – to live in constant consciousness of God being with me – his presence, his glory, his will!
QUESTIONS & EXERCISES
For Daily Devotionals or Bible Study Group
- Have you always felt close to God? If so, how? If not, why? Can you list or share some ways you’ve grown closer to God through the years?
- Have you known, or now know, of some people who seem to have a very spiritual relationship with God and who embody what it means to “walk” with God? What is it in their lives that are obvious beliefs or practices that make them a model for others? Linger on the passage about Enoch and write down some observations about his walk with God.
- Since God is a “Spirit”, what are some obstacles in developing a personal friendship with him? Plus, what are some helpful ways to connect with him spiritually?
- What does it mean to you to walk in the same direction as God?
- What does it mean to you to live and walk in the presence of God?
