"And Enoch walked with God..." (Genesis 5:24). I honestly have no idea what it means that Enoch walked with God. I've read various articles and perspectives on this phrase, but the major idea that all the viewpoints have in common is that Enoch spent time with God.
Hebrews 11:5 adds a little more insight into this when the author wrote, "... for before his translation [Enoch] had this testimony, that he pleased God." Enoch spent time with God. He pleased God. How? I've wondered this time and time again. How did Enoch please God? What did it look like when he walked with God? Admittedly, I have no solid answers.
I'll be transparent here. For a long time, prayer has been a very confusing concept for me. I've repeatedly struggled with better understanding and implementing prayer. In the midst of prayer I've wondered if God even existed. I've bitterly questioned if He cared enough to listen. I've also struggled with asking and begging for things that were NOT in alignment with God's will as revealed by scripture.
On a lighter note, I remember being 10 and having just read the first Harry Potter book. As my eleventh birthday grew nearer, I begged God to make it so that Hogwarts was a real school and that I would get a letter on my birthday accepting me as a student. I distinctly remember thinking, "If God is so powerful, then even if Hogwarts isn't real, He can make it so that it is." Of course, my prayer wasn't answered as I requested, despite my very clear instructions.
Recently, however, I had a simple thought. Why can't I just take Genesis 5:24 as it reads and walk with God too? So, I tried it. The next day, I woke up, put on my shoes, and walked a short distance. Maybe a 1/4 of a mile. But, I took my time. During that walk, I just acknowledged that God was present, that He was walking with me, and I talked to Him about what was on my mind and heart. I did it again the next day, going a little further, and again the day after.
What has surfaced in this simple practice is a very simple concept. That is, intentionally spending time with God. It's not about the walk itself and the health benefits associated with it. It's about who I'm with. Already, I've had a few walks where I just trudged along with God in sober silence. On those days, that was exactly what I needed to do in recognition of who He is and who I am not.
With that simple concept in mind, how I'm praying is also beginning to change. Rather than approaching my prayer as time spent going over a list of adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication, I find myself first examining myself as I spend time with Him and then admitting to Him how I'm spending that time.
I've come before Him giddy and excited for our walk. I've also come before Him lustful for something I don't have and bitter for not having it. Either way, the point remains the same. Rather than just saying things to God, as if I'm attempting to enlighten Him, I've begun musing over the things I wish to say and how He would want me to talk about them to Him.
So far, this practice is still new to me, but it is already helping my walk with God (no pun intended). I hope this has encouraged whoever reading this in some kind of way. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts with me either through commenting below or contacting me directly.
- Nathaniel
