The Old Testament tells us about a man who, until we do some digging, is somewhat obscure. His name was Enoch. Though there are only a few verses about him in the Bible, he experienced something really special: he is one of only two people in Scripture who never died (Elijah being the other).
Hebrews 11:5 (CSB)
By faith Enoch was taken away, and so he did not experience death. He was not to be found because God took him away. For before he was taken away, he was approved as one who pleased God.
The book of Genesis says it this way:
Genesis 5:24 (CSB)
Enoch walked with God; then he was not there because God took him.
I’m not sure if Enoch had a tombstone, but if he did, that would be a great epitaph.
In the same way that Enoch walked with God, that kind of life is available for us today. In fact, God promises that when we seek Him, He will come near to us:
James 4:8 (CSB)
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you…
What are ways that we can walk with God today?
PRAYER
God is relational and likes to talk with His people. When we pray, the Lord hears us and responds.
Jeremiah 33:3 (CSB)
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and incomprehensible things you do not know.
SCRIPTURE READING
God has given us His Word as a guide for how to walk with Him. If you want to hear God’s voice, the best place to start is by reading the Bible.
Psalm 119:105 (CSB)
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.
REST
God has not called us to constant striving. He calls us into rest. Yes, there is work that we are called to do. But we aren’t called to completely exhaust ourselves and to handle everything on our own.
Psalm 46:10 (CSB)
“Stop fighting, and know that I am God, exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.”
FELLOWSHIP
God doesn’t want us to walk in isolation. One of the greatest gifts He has given us is His church. Being with other believers and encouraging one another is God’s desire for you.
Hebrews 10:23–25 (CSB)
Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.
OBEDIENCE
We don’t always like this one… but if you want to walk with God, you need to do what He says. He isn’t simply offering suggestions. Yes, He is our Savior. But He is also our Lord.
John 14:21 (CSB)
The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and will reveal myself to him.
Walking with God isn’t about keeping a checklist and being good enough. Far from that. Walking with God is about experiencing Him, enjoying Him, and glorifying Him. The longer we walk with Him, the more this will be true of us:
Psalm 84:10 (CSB)
Better a day in your courts than a thousand anywhere else. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than live in the tents of wicked people.