By Pastor Doug Cox
 
It’s not if it will happen, but when. I’m talking about when something comes up in your life that is difficult to deal with. Maybe it is something you have anticipated, or something you get blindsided by. The question is what can you do when that happens? I believe the best thing to do is to prepare yourself before it does.
 
The lyrics to an old hymn go like this. “and He walks with me and He talks with me, He tells me I am His own, and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.” These words remind me of the shepherd/king David who knew a lot about walking with the Lord.
 
In his Psalm David says, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:1-4 NKJV) David’s use of personal pronouns make it obvious that he had a daily walk with Lord and his example gives us insight into what we can experience as well.
 
Also, by saying the Lord ‘is’ my shepherd, David knew he was never alone. The word is means present tense. David sought direction from the Lord continuously. That is something every Chrisitan needs to understand and develop, the fact that we are not alone in life. We don’t have to face anything on our own.
 
When Jesus told His disciples that He was going to suffer and die, it was hard for them to accept, but Jesus knew it would ultimately give them an advantage. He said “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” (John 16: 7 NKJV)
 
The devil and the wicked rulers sealed their own fate and defeat when they saw had Jesus crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:8 NKJV says “… none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” They did not know that Jesus’ death would not only bring forgiveness of sin and new birth, to every faith filled heart. But it would also open the door for the Holy Spirit’s Presence to come and dwell in them. The result of that is every Chrisitan has the advantage.
 
We are to learn and walk in relationship with Holy Spirit and when ‘walking’ with Him daily, like David, we can find our green pasture, our still waters and so on. It’s God’s will for us to do that. Romans 8:14 says “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” (NKJV) The words “are led” are in the continuing present tense. That means it is your right to have daily direction from the Lord.
 
In writing the previous paragraph I made a typo that fits into what I am trying to say. So instead of writing walking I wrote ‘waking’. I believe that typo was something I needed to see and I say that because if you aren’t ‘waking up’ with Him on your mind you will be less likely to walk with Him during the day.
 
As Christians we will be controlled by the Spirit or the flesh. The flesh tries to dominate through emotions and feelings. The Spirit leads differently and is gentle. Learning to walk in the Spirit is a new way of life. My great grandson and I have a fun relationship. He has learned that I am open to playing with him, so he will come over and grab my finger with his tiny hand and tug so I will get up. Once I’m up he will let go of my finger and expect me to follow him, which I do willingly, even if it means sitting on the floor to play with his trucks or play hide and seek.
 
Two reasons why I engage with him. First, because I love him. He is fun, cute and makes me laugh. Another reason is it gives me moments where I can teach him something. Engaging with the Holy Spirit is kind of similar. I do it because I love Jesus. Jesus suffered and died so I could have the Holy Spirit as ‘my’ Helper who gives me an advantage in life. It’s not wise to ignore Him. I also do it so that He can teach me and lead me in His ways. I’m so glad He walks with me!