In Step With My Savior

Joy, "walked with God". (Genesis 6:9)

Having medication prescribed recently after being diagnosed with both high blood pressure and high cholesterol, I am serious about returning to an intentional exercise program. For years I was faithful to a walking regimen, but over the past twelve months I have fallen away. Surgery, cancer and chemotherapy interrupted my life. Although I tried to walk as often as I could, the pace and practice of this daily routine suffered. Not only have I been physically weak, but my resolve waned. Motivation and muscle strength disappeared.

With a New Year before me I am determined to reclaim my health. I enjoy a power walk, but look forward to it even more if accompanied by a friend. Unfortunately with everyone's commitments to work, family, and life, I've yet to find a daily walking buddy. It would be so wonderful to find someone who had the same dedication and desire, as well as time available. I have a couple of friends who each can sometimes accompany me one day a week, but I need accountability and consistency. I've been praying for the Lord to supply a walking friend.

This morning I was reminded of a Friend who longs to walk every twenty-four hours of each day with me. He wants to talk to me along the pathway of life. He wants to listen to my heart. He longs to lead me down meadow lined trails of delight, across bridges of opportunity, over pavement cracks of disappointment and doubt, around fields of fear, through forests of unknown and beside quiet streams of stillness and rest.

Regardless if anyone joins my daily meanderings, I have a Companion for the year's journey. I do not walk alone. The Lord Himself walks with me down pathways in His presence.

Lacing up my running shoes. I have a walking date with God.

Dear Lord, as I walk into this New Year, enable me to be faithful. Guide my steps in righteousness and keep my feet from following evil. Help me pursue peace, flee temptation and run the race You have chosen for me. Do not allow me to stray if wider, open paths appear easier. When I want to stop and sit on a bench of complacency, unsettle my heart and cause it to beat again with a rhythm of renewed passion and desire. Help me not to make excuses on rainy days of disappointment or cold days of despair. Give me courage to climb each mountain, patience in every valley and strength for the rugged terrain. Keep my feet from slipping and my eyes open to the needs of others travelling this journey. Thank You for being my drink of cold water, quenching my thirst, and the daily manna to my hungry soul. If distractions threaten to lure me away, let me hear and heed the prompting of Your Spirit. May I never turn away, around or race ahead, but purposefully place each step in the imprint You leave before me because Your footsteps are always safe to follow. May I remain all year in step with my Savior.