Walk in His Steps
How happy is everyone who fears the Lord who walks in his ways!
Psalm 128:1 (CSB)
Individuals strive to discover meaning and purpose in their lives. This quest revolves around the desire to establish an identity. Frequently, this journey leaves us yearning for something more, as we seek happiness and fulfillment in worldly possessions, relationships, and experiences rather than in the Lord. In Psalm 128, David emphasizes that the key to finding purpose and joy in life lies in faithfully following the ways of the Lord. So, how can we walk in faithfulness?
We Must Seek His Ways. To walk in the ways of the Lord begins with a genuine desire to understand His paths. Without this understanding, we cannot follow His ways. Therefore, we must cultivate a longing to deepen our knowledge. This growth happens as we purposefully engage with God's Word. A true desire for the Lord is expressed through scripture and prayer, acknowledging that other sources may leave us unfulfilled. What aspirations in your life support your purpose and identity? If the Lord is not among them, will you let go of those desires and strive to center your longing on Him?
Trust His Word To Provide His Ways. We cannot discern the ways of the Lord without exploring the Word of God, as it reveals God’s truth to His people. Therefore, we need to delve into the Word to comprehend God's ways. This comprehension is reliable and valid, as it represents the truth of the Lord. Consequently, we should embrace a mindset of trusting the Word of God. Our trust in the Word is evident when we walk in obedience. How can one recognize the truth yet still choose not to follow it? When we authentically trust it, our lives reflect the truth. Does your life embody a trust in the Word of God to reveal the ways of God in your existence? What actions can you take to better align with the ways of the Lord?
Walk In Step With His Ways. We each navigate through life on different paths. Some of these paths develop based on our immediate desires, while others are shaped by the influences of the world around us. As followers of Christ, it is imperative that we fight against these distractions and adhere to the path laid out by the Lord. This divine path unfolds as we strive to place our feet in the footprints of Jesus. We aim for our lives to emulate Jesus and exude his goodness. By walking in his ways, we hope that others will recognize Jesus in us and choose to worship the Lord through our dedicated living. What kinds of paths entice you to turn away from the path of the Lord? How effectively are you following in the footsteps of Jesus?
As children of God, we cannot follow the ways of the flesh or live according to our own understanding of what is right. Rather, we should fully commit to the Lord, striving to walk in His footsteps at every moment. It is essential to seek His guidance and rely on His Word for direction. We need to align ourselves with the Lord and live faithfully.
QUESTIONS
How would you compare and contrast walking in the steps of the Lord versus walking in the steps of the self?
How can intentional engagement with God’s Word aid in the ability to walk according to the Lord and His ways?
