I don’t suppose it would surprise anyone if I were to say that I enjoy being with my son.

They may be 28 and 30 years old and married, they may be living on the other side of the country and on the other side of the world, but I treasure the time I spend with them.

As my dementia progresses, I will admit that I think of both of my boys as being one and the same. But whichever one calls, I know it is my son and I am happy. My older boy has historically lived a lot closer and up until he moved to China last year, we saw him very regularly. And even when he returns from China to visit, I get to see him often, and this brings me utmost joy.

To lay the groundwork for this story, however, it is important to know that my wife and I take our dog out for a walk every morning. It is something she and the dog both enjoy, but it is something I must say that I only endure… They go too far, for one thing, and they walk too fast. And they are constantly stopping because the dog needs to do her business. Don’t get me wrong, I love my dog very much; but I have to admit I don’t really like going for walks with her all that much…

When my son is home, however, whichever one it is, he will take me for a walk in the morning. He doesn’t walk too far or too fast, he knows how to talk a little and listen a lot, he is the perfect walking partner. I’m always a little heartbroken when he leaves, and one of my biggest concerns is, who will I walk with? Somehow, after walking with him, the thought of going out with my wife and the dog kind of … well … leaves a bitter taste in my mouth! In fact, I’m willing to wait as long as it takes to walk with my son! Even if it’s months! I’m not totally sure why my wife isn’t on board with this…

This reminds me of our Christian walk. In this world, we can choose to walk with many different influences. We may choose to walk under the influence of the TV or movies. We may choose to walk under the influence of the popular crowd. We may choose to walk all alone! But there is only One who will make us the perfect “walking Partner” – God Himself.

Colossians 2:6 tells us, “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him…” (ESV).

Just what does it mean to walk with God? I mean, I know how to walk with my son, but God isn’t tangible!

The Bible gives us plenty of guidance for this. Check out these verses:

a) “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalms 119:105 NIV) When we get into the Word of God, we begin to apply it to our lives; and as we apply it, our path becomes clearer.

b) “Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways.” (Psalms 119:1 NIV). Keep in mind that in the days of ancient Israel, the “Word of God” was the law and the prophets. So walking according to the law of God IS walking in God’s Word!

c) “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:8 NIV) In other words, if we want God to draw near to us, we must draw near to Him by purifying our hearts!

Another way to walk with God is to let Him bear your burdens:

“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” (Psalms 55:22 NIV)

We don’t need to walk alone! We have God who not only is willing to carry our burdens, who not only wants to accompany us on our walk with Him, but who also commands it!

No one can walk with me like my son. In the same way, no one can accompany you in your walk through life like God Himself! Don’t worry about being popular. Don’t worry about being a burden to people. Don’t let things like TV and video games influence you! Give it to Jesus! Get into His Word! Let that be the light that illuminates your path! Walk with God!

Inspired by Rob Chaffart
Founder, Answers2Prayer Ministries