Limassol coast offers a scenic 5 km walkway on the eastern side of the city in the Amathounta area, right along to St Raphael beach. In recent weeks, my walks have extended to this part of the coast, where the picturesque scenery and abundance of fresh air has been most refreshing.
Walking benefits our physical health by improving fitness, cardiac function, circulation and mental health. It can reduce stress, help with weight loss and boost the immune system. A study has also revealed that outdoor walking increases creativity by relaxing the mind and releasing a flow of ideas.
While walking on the Limassol coastal path is beneficial to physical wellbeing, the Bible mentions our spiritual walk in various places. I have chosen five verses which tell us how to walk as Christians.
1. See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise. Ephesians 5:1
We are exhorted to walk carefully, with wisdom. Many are the pitfalls and dangers of our path as the evil one tries to hinder spiritual growth and the accomplishment of God's will. It is therefore vital to feed on God's wisdom through His Word and through the teaching of mature believers.
2. For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
While Christianity is an evidence-based belief, there are times when we must take a step of faith. Abraham exemplified walking by faith when He left his own country to go to a land God would show him (Genesis 12:1). Our future path is generally unknown, but we can trust God to lead and guide us. Many say they simply cannot have faith, yet they put their faith in objects and people every day. The One who upholds this universe can be trusted for the minute details of our lives. Hebrews 11, the great chapter of faith, reminds us:
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)
3. Walk by the Spirit. Galatians 5:16
Believers in Christ are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. It is through the Holy Spirit that we have an understanding of Scripture and the Christian life. The Spirit gives us desires for God's ways rather than our own ungodly desires.
When we walk by the Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit is manifest: ... the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23a)
4. ... that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Ephesians 5:8
God made us worthy of the Lord, not by our own merit, but through His grace and mercy when we placed our trust in Him. We will only walk worthy of the Lord when we realize what it cost God to redeem us. John Piper comments that to walk worthy of the Lord is to "act in a way that fits the great value and glorious nature of God and the gospel". May our walk be worthy of Him as we endeavour to serve in love and grow in His knowledge.
5. But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
This verse is frequently quoted to encourage the weary and those who feel like giving up. Some of my readers who do not know the Lord are struggling with major problems alone. God the Father waits for you to come to Him through faith for eternal salvation and to pour His grace into your life. The problems may not disappear overnight, but God promises to be a refuge in the day of trouble. When we wait on the Lord and receive His strength, we will have the energy to walk and not faint. Our walk will be marked by His strength and healing.
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.
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