Many of us are familiar with the historical account of the risen Lord Jesus speaking with two of His followers on the Road to Emmaus, found in the 24th chapter of Luke.
“And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself” (Luke 24:27).
As they walked along, He spoke with them. He taught them and He revealed truths about Himself “in all the Scriptures.”
During His 3-year ministry on the earth, Jesus taught people in many places: in the temple, in synagogues, on hillsides, in the treasury in John 8:20—even from a boat.
But when He taught His disciples He did it a bit differently—sometimes He sat with them quietly in someone’s home or an Upper Room—but I believe one place He taught them most frequently was as they walked.
When we purpose to walk with the Lord (both figuratively and literally), He walks with us and reveals Himself and His ways to us.
And He Walks with Me, and He Talks with Me…
Remember the chorus to that lovely old song? Roberta, a dear friend of mine, walks briskly throughout her neighborhood every morning before going to work.
During lunch together last week she told me, “Whenever I have a problem or something I'm wanting clarification on, I'll take a walk–and I suddenly get the answer!” she said. “I think there's some connection between walking and communing with the Lord.”
I agree.
Physically Speaking: When walking, whether outdoors in your neighborhood, on a track or in mall; or indoors marching in place, or walking on a treadmill, elliptical, air-stepper or rebounder, you entire body is involved in the activity.
Walking is especially good for your brain, because it increases blood circulation and the oxygen and glucose that reach your brain. As you walk, you effectively oxygenate your brain. Maybe this is why walking can “clear your head” and help you to think better.
When the cognitive abilities of older women were compared, those who walked regularly were less likely to experience age-related memory loss and other declines in mental function.
That's good news!
Spiritually Speaking: When you are walking, you are able to pull yourself away from the news and cares of the day (unless you're doing your walking in front of the 6 o'clock news on TV!).
You can focus more easily on the Lord when you are walking. Many people Prayer Walk around their neighborhoods–praying “on site with insight” for their community. Often the Lord will have them pray specific prayers for the people in various households.
Other “Purpose-Driven” walking involves taking a passage of Scripture and meditating on it during your walk. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and give you revelation on passages of Scripture, just as Jesus did with His disciples.
Another simple strategy is to pray for your family as you briskly walk away from your home for 10-15 minutes, and then praise, rejoice and thank the Lord for answered prayer on your way back!
Of course, having just put together the Power Promises Walking Workout, that's my favorite–walking to motivating music while speaking the Power Promises of God.
Whichever you choose, the Lord still walks and talks with His disciples when we walk and talk with Him.
What's your favorite way to walk with the Lord?
Emmaus caught my eye….My Emmaus walk taught me several things but that God walks with us today I already knew….thanks for continuing to encourage all of us in our walk with Him and in keeping our temples healthy! Blessings to you and your work!
Thank YOU, Sheri! I am so grateful that the Lord continues to walk and talk with us everyday. All we have to do is listen. Much love to you and yours!