.....walking

And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.

Genesis 3:8

Walking for 30 to 60 minutes a day, five days a week, has many health benefits, such as reducing the chances of cancer, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, anxiety, and even depression. It increases bone health, lowers the more harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and raises the more useful good high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

Studies have also shown that walking can help prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia. There is nothing simpler than walking, yet the benefits to the body’s health are amazing. Brisk walking can improve your stamina, energy, weight control, life expectancy, and reduce stress. It can also reduce your risk of getting osteoporosis, bowel cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, strokes, and coronary heart disease. It improves your memory skills, concentration, abstract reasoning—and not to mention that it can uplift your spirit!

There are many different forms of walking. Some people are fitness walkers and use pedometers to track their steps. Others enjoy leisurely strolls, bushwalking, race walking, hiking, hill walking, and Nordic walking. There are many ways to walk! Race walking is a long-distance athletic event that is similar to a running race, except one foot must always be (or appear to be) in contact with the ground. John Butcher once said, “Walking is convenient, it needs no special equipment, is self-regulating and inherently safe. Walking is as natural as breathing.”

Walking with Jesus every morning for 30 to 60 minutes of quiet time in your Bible and in prayer is good for your spiritual health and will improve the rest of your day. Perhaps that is what Paul meant when he wrote, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called” Ephesians 4:1.

How is your walk with Christ?

- doug batchelor