"Walk, Don't Run"
A parental admonition for children to be careful in their enthusiasm and excitement as they explore new places, things, and situations. This timeless admonition also carries truth into adulthood as a mindful technique offering peace and contentment. The word "walk" and its variants appear over 300 times (depending on the translation) in the Bible, often used to convey both literally and figuratively, a spiritual or moral lesson. I love the analogy of the shepherd and sheep in the New Testament, because it suggests a pace of life reflective of walking, caring, being nurtured and protected, unhurried, at peace.
Psalm 23:4 - "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me..."
Colossians 1:10 - "Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work."
Micah 6:8 - "To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Romans 8:4 - "Walk according to the Spirit, not according to the flesh."
Ephesians 4:1 - "Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called."
1 John 1:7 - "But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another."
The word “run” appears 109 times, with “rush” 9 times and “hurry” not even in the Bible (ASV version) The Bible warns against running in a way that is driven by impatience, fear, or self-reliance. In contrast, the positive use of "running" emphasizes diligence, zeal, and perseverance in following God’s call and purpose. Do Shepherds run ? Sheep only run when they are afraid.
The suggestion, “Walk, Don’t Run”, offers a practical and Biblical insight for living at peace, being content, no matter the circumstances. Elisha was afraid and ran for his life. Forty days and nights later, after witnessing a strong wind, an earthquake, and a fire, God spoke in a still small voice. He heard God when he stopped running. You are less likely to hear people speaking to you if you are running / rushing away from them or they are pursuing you. How likely are you to hear that “still small voice,” the Holy Spirit, if you are running, rushing, or in a hurry ? Walking, being mindful of God speaking, His voice, His direction, allows you to hear and receive direction, guidance, wisdom.
Many of those I see in counseling who are experiencing anxiety, are running literally and figuratively, some for “good” reasons, but not necessarily for reasons “God” has appointed. They are in a hurry to get somewhere, do something, and time seems of the essence. When it’s actually God’s direction, leading, guiding, that is essential.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ASV) "Trust in the Lord with all thy heart, And lean not upon thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he will direct thy paths."
If we are to follow in Christ’s steps, don’t we need to be more deliberate, careful, that we are placing our feet in His steps so that we don’t miss the path ? Have you ever seen a picture of the well known “footprints in the sand” with one set that had obviously been running ? Did I miss the scripture telling of when Jesus ran from village to village ? Certainly, His example, knowing God’s plan and timing for His life and yet His pace of life seemed thoughtful, deliberate, intentional, as He walked, trusting completely in the Father.
Jesus' literal and metaphorical walking serves as a powerful symbol for His guidance, His mission, and His call for us to walk in His ways. It reflects a life of purpose, trust, and spiritual growth. Walking with Jesus means following Him in faith, embracing His teachings, and living out His example of love, humility, and truth.
So, “Walk, Don’t Run”
Walk in the Spirit
Walk in Love
Walk in Newness of Life
Walk in Truth
Walk Worthy of the Calling
Comments