How often do we throw the phrase “I’m walking with the Lord” around?
To be honest I’m not sure that most people even know what that phrase means. So here’s a question: Can you be walking with the Lord but be far from Him at the same time? Think about it. It’s okay if you’re confused. Let me explain.
About two weeks ago I was sitting in a coffee shop in Colombia reading through updates on how the teams on the squad were doing. This specific week the topic revolved around dependence. The part of the lesson that struck me the most was the piece on how easy it is for us to run to our comforts (electronics, sleep, food, etc.) and become dependent upon them for satisfaction and how much we overlook our relationship with our Father. As I read through the comments I had the thought of taking one day and fasting from all of these comforts. After I mentioned the thought to Rachael, team leader for Cascade, we decided on a day. Team Cascade loved the idea and the day become “The Day of Dependence.”
I wasn’t exactly sure what the Lord wanted to teach me during this day but I knew there was something to be learned. At the beginning of the day God gave me a picture of a father and son walking. Next, was a picture of a father and son walking but this time they were holding hands.
Hold up.
Is there a difference?
Absolutely.
You can be “walking with your father” and still be distant from him. You can spend everyday reading scripture, praying and worshipping your father but you can still be distant from him. You can do “all the right things” but still be missing out on the intimacy that he ultimately desires. If there’s no relationship then ultimately doing “all the right things” are meaningless. God cares more about your heart than anything.
When you’re walking hand in hand with your father, you are being one with him. There’s a sense of intimacy. This allows for the qualities and characteristics of your father to flow from his veins into yours. Think about it. God’s love is flowing from his body into yours. His peace. His grace. Be one with him.
The difference: When you are walking hand in hand you are allowing your father to lead and guide you wherever he wants you to go. You’re allowing him to have control. You can feel the love, grace and acceptance that he has for you because you are connected with him.
God wants a relationship with each and everyone of his kids. He wants that deep, intimate relationship where you desire nothing else but to spend time with Him. It’s an all day, everyday kind of relationship.
Don’t just walk with your father but be one with Him. Tell Him how much you love Him. Let Him tell you how much He loves you.
Hold His hand! Cling to His hand! Never let it go!
