Posted in Godly Living

     I don't know about you but I love to walk. It's refreshing, doesn't take a lot of preparation and requires no special equipment (except a good pair of walking shoes). It's inexpensive, and exhilarating.

     Last summer I got up and walked almost every morning. God would wake me up at about 5:30, I'd walk for about 3-1/2 miles and then come home refreshed with a clear mind and read His word.

     Over the winter I grew out of the habit and God has been nudging me to get back in the swing. Every morning He's waking me up and every morning I've been fighting him and saying "just 15 more minutes please." Sound familiar?

     A couple of years ago I came to the conclusion that my prayer life was not as productive or as fulfilling as it should be. I was falling asleep while praying, my mind was wandering, and I just could not stay focussed. God gave me the idea to pray while walking. Who can fall asleep while walking? Not I.

    It was the most wonderful, meaningful time in my spiritual life. I would start by singing praise songs to my God, followed by confession and repentence. Then I would put in my thanksgiving and requests. I felt like my relationship with God was growing by leaps and bounds. Then, Satan would put in his two cents worth. "This is getting you know where." "Things aren't being changed the way they should." "Aren't things supposed to get better when you pray, not worse."

     Unfortunately I started believing the lies and stopped walking, stopped getting up to pray and started to lose the joy of living in the Saviors will. Now, He's nudging me again to get back ou there.

     Well, this morning I did it. I got out there and walked. It felt great. Sure, I was tired and it was hard to get started, but I chose to obey this time and right now I'm feeling on top of the world with Him. He's so amazing. His handiwork in creation is gorgeous. He is the greatest artist of all time. Nothing compares to a walk hand in hand with the Savior.

     I'd like to encourage you all to try it. It's great exercise physically, spiritually and emotionally. God speaks when we listen, he smiles when we sing praise songs, even when we can't carry a tune. He craves a personal relationship with us, just as our souls long for a relationship with him. Won't you get up and walk with me tomorrow? It soesn't have to be super early. What time do your kids get up? Just get up 1/2 hour before them and spend that time walking and praying. Whatever you can do, you'll find yourself physically and spiritually healthier in no time.

Two weeks ago I had to load all the kids up in the van to get the boys to camp by 7 am. I would be home by about 7:30 and I would take the little ones and head down to my swing where I would spend some amazing time with the Lord. Well, last week was all together different and I can feel it. I just sent the boy's to VBS, so I think I will head to my swing and have a great week again....thanks so much for this post!
Gayle :)

Great reminder on how important it is to get outside and walk! Thank you!

You speak truth and wisdom. I too love to walk. However, it is difficult to do so alone. My dh does not feel it is safe for me to wake and wlak alone. So my walking has to be with children in tow and later in the day. The Lord has started to nudge me to awake early as I use to as well. I use to rise at 5am every morning to spend an hour with Him. Now I do the 15 more minute thing and before I know it, the rest of the house is up and waiting on me! So thank you for this exhortation to start my day in the right way and to spend time with my Father first. God bless you as you continue to pursue Him. ((Hugs)) Jessie

Thanks for the encouragement... I've been planning to start a walking program but have put it off. Now I'm inspired!