The Hebrew word halak can mean to walk, to go or to move. It is used in all of these ways in the Bible but most prominently referring to our spiritual walk. It refers to a lifestyle or way of living. The first use in that sense is in Genesis 5 stating that Enoch walked with God. Our Jewish friends have the Halakah – the collection of laws and rules that tell how to live. It translates their faith into action.
What is it to walk with God? If I were walking with a friend, we would be together, sharing the journey. We would make observations to one another, sharing our hearts as we went toward the same direction. Our walk with God is similar. He not only goes by our side, but also before and behind us. He shares the journey though He already knows the path. Walking with God is a lifestyle of faith and faithfulness, a righteousness that is pleasing to Him. We will not step perfectly, but the Spirit enables us to continue on the path with Him. We walk humbly, yielded to Him.
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
A walk with God pleases Him and brings us into His presence. We get His guidance, His wisdom, and His joy. In Enoch’s case, his walk led to God translating him directly to His Presence.
Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. Genesis 5:24
I aim for a life characterized by walking with God, moving with Him, going with Him where He is going. He promises I will receive joy even in hardship, hope, even in darkness, but the greatest of gifts is just being with Him. May I always walk in His Presence.
Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10
