Today’s Musing is from Margaret Fowler.
And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us. —Ephesians 5:2a (NKJV)
I am weak, but Thou art strong,
Jesus, keep me from all wrong
I’ll be satisfied as long,
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.
(Author unknown)
We all long for a closer walk with our Lord. Let’s think about walking, something we do every day. Growing up in England, we walked a lot! We didn’t have a car until after the war, so it meant walking, biking, bus, or train, but mostly walking. So, still today, I continue to walk. Especially after some issues with my heart, I decided to make it a priority to have a daily walk. It is truly a blessing to step outside and enjoy the fresh air, look around at the beauty of nature, trees, and flowers, and listen to the birds. It is a time to think and ponder, pray, and rejoice. Sometimes, I write an article in my mind (like this one, which began to take shape on a walk!).
Do we make our times with God a priority? Sometimes, we start our daily tasks, and devotions get pushed aside. If we truly want to walk with God, we need to make it a priority. “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 (KJV).
Our son visited us from Florida recently, and we promised him a ride to a mountain where you can drive up a winding road and then walk around the top. When we arrived, they had closed the road. That left only one way up—walking! We are “old” but determined, and very slowly, step by step, we persevered to reach the top. It was truly worth the effort. We enjoyed our picnic lunch and wandered all around the summit, seeing the magnificent views in all directions.
It takes perseverance to make sure we spend time walking with God and not just for ourselves, but in sharing with others—“putting feet to our prayers” as we walk with our Lord, sharing His love along the way. As our verse above reminds us, “and walk in love, as Christ also has loved us” (Ephesians 5:2a NKJV).
One walk I remember very well was the time we chose the wrong way! It was a woodland path with many other trails leading off in different directions. We thought we had chosen the right one, but we walked … and walked … Oh, No! This was the wrong path, and it was a very loooong way back. Finally, when we were back on the right trail and thankful to know this one would lead us home, we felt the peace that comes with the right way. I am sure all of us have times of straying from the right path, but remember, God will be with us and give peace in our hearts as we travel toward home. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (Isaiah 26:3 KJV).
Here is the chorus of the hymn, “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.” Let’s use these words as our closing prayer today. Sing along with me.
Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea.
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
(Author unknown)
Margaret is Sharon’s Mum. She and her husband have had 68 years of marriage and four children. They enjoy hiking, biking, canoeing, and just being outdoors, watching wildlife. Margaret played the piano for many years as part of a nursing home ministry. She has written many articles for her church newsletter, and some of these have been compiled into a trilogy of books: Holding My Father’s Hand, Holding My Daughter’s Hand, and Holding My Heavenly Father’s Hand, all available here on Amazon.
Saved by grace,
Margaret Fowler
Sweet Selah Ministries
Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service
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and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)
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3 Comments. Leave new
Margaret, thank you so much for your wonderful reminder of how we
need to keep God as our priority, starting first thing in the morning. I know
that since getting our puppy a little over a year ago it has been difficult for me
to have my quiet, devotional time with God first thing in the morning. Sasha
needs to go out first thing in the morning and then she wants my attention. I am
trying to be mindful to just acknowledge God and to thank Him and praise Him for
a new day and the beauty of nature all around me as I am outside with Sasha.
I am also trying to be aware of spending time with God during the day when she is
quiet and/or napping. I always enjoy reading your writings.
Margaret, thank you! Walking is dear to my heart as well. We have so many beautiful and restful places around here to walk and think and to pray and meditate. And to think – we get to have God’s company on every one of them!
Thank you Candie and Donna for your kind comments. My writing is just very simple, but glad you found it meaningful. I am just about to go out for a walk !