A Close Walk With GodSpeaker: Sis. Stella Dhinakaran Gist: A close walk with God is the life that would please God. When your eyes are fixed upon Jesus all the time, worldly things will not seem big. Fix your eyes upon Jesus. Your faith will not be in vain. Every morning, when you pray to the Lord and say, "Lord, You are my God. Teach me to do what pleases You", He will show you the ways in which you and your loved ones can be blessed.
We read about Enoch in Hebrews 11:5, "By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, and was not found, because God had taken him"; because before he was taken, he had this testimony, "He pleased God." He lived for 365 years, leading a life that was pleasing and acceptable to God.
"And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him." (Genesis 5:22) Such a close walk with God is the life that would please God. The Apostle St.John says, "Truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ" (1 John 1:3).
Dear friend, are you saying that just because you follow Christ, you have not got a lucrative job; or is it that you have not had a promotion because you were sincere following Christ's words? Do not be worried about it! God is sufficient for you. Be watchful over your walk with God. Enoch had a relationship with God. His life was pleasing to God. That is why, he was taken by the Lord, that he did not have to taste death. We must note that he too was a man who traversed through difficult times in life, just like you and me.
After marriage, the responsibilities of a person increase. One may wonder how to lead a spiritually pleasing life with a spouse who may be dissatisfied over everything. But when our eyes are fixed upon Jesus all the time, these things will not seem big. Do not make a mountain out of a molehill. Just forget it! Fix your eyes upon Jesus.
The Bible tells us, "The righteous are bold as a lion" (Proverbs 28:1).
Are you saying, "Oh my sickness makes me weary; Financial crisis bothers me; there is no peace at home; what do we do tomorrow for food? Worries are depressing us. How do we relate to God?" Do not worry. The Lord asks in simple words, "Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?" (Matthew 6:27). So, place all your problems at God's feet. Enoch relied on God; hence he was able to relate to Him even though he was a family man.
God send His word to Daniel through His angel Gabriel, "You are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision" (Daniel 9:23).
You may be suppressed and oppressed by jealous people. But let them not trouble your thoughts. Let your eyes be bound to look up to the living God. He will, in no way let you down. Daniel was surrounded by evil men. But he never panicked when he knew the conspiracy they had plot against him. "When Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days" (Daniel 6:10). The Lord saw that. Even when Daniel was thrown into the lion's den, the Lord saved him from being devoured by the lions. Will not the God who helped Daniel, help you too?
The Bible tells us to praise the Lord at all times. That is the will of God for your life and my life. When we are amidst distress, let us stop crying and let us say, "Lord even at this state, You are sufficient for me." Your faith will not be in vain. Never forget that behind every distress, there is a glory awaiting you. The Lord who lifted up Daniel will also lift you up. May God grant you enough grace so that your thoughts and actions may please Him, and with a clear conscience you may walk in fear of Him giving no room for any evil, and watch out from being enslaved in any way to the world, the flesh or the devil, and thereby live in harmony with Him! May His blessings be upon you today and forever!
Prayer:
Most Precious Heavenly Father,
Make me like Enoch and like Daniel. Help me to please You always in my thoughts, words and actions. Let me draw closer to You even when I am walking through the valley of tears. Help me not to get distracted by the worldly problems, worldly blessings and even by my family. Today, I make the commitment to fix my eyes upon You alone, always trying to please You. I ask this prayer through Christ, my Saviour.
Amen. |