Experiencing God
Day 3: Walking With God

Day 3: Walking With God

When your relationship is as it ought to be, you will always be in fellowship with the Father.

God created the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, for a love relationship with Himself. After Adam and Eve sinned, they heard God walking in the garden in the cool of the day. They hid from Him because of their fear and shame. Try to sense the heart of a loving Father when He asked that wonderful love question “Where are you?” (Gen. 3:9). God knew something had happened to the love relationship.

When your relationship is as it ought to be, you will always be in fellowship with the Father. You will be in His presence expecting and anticipating the relationship of love. When Adam and Eve were not there, something had gone wrong.

Quiet Time with God

Early each day I have an appointment with God. I often wonder what happens when the God who loves me comes to meet with me. How does He feel when He asks, “Henry, where are you?” and I am not there (see Jer. 7:13). I have found this to be true in my walk with the Lord: I keep that time alone with God, not in order to have a relationship but because I have a relationship. Because I have that love relationship with my Lord, I want to meet with Him and spend time with Him. Time with Him enriches and deepens the relationship I already have with Him.

I hear many people say, “I really struggle trying to have time alone with God.” If that is a problem you face, let me suggest something: make the priority in your life to love Him with all your heart. That will solve most of your problem with your quiet time. People who struggle to spend time with God don’t have a scheduling problem; they have a love problem. You have a quiet time because you know Him and therefore love Him, not just because you want to learn more about Him. The apostle Paul said Christ’s love compelled or constrained him (see 2 Cor. 5:14).

 Suppose you were dating someone you loved and intended to marry. What is the primary reason you would date (spend time with) that person? Select only one response.

 ❒ Because I would want to find out about his likes and dislikes

 ❒ Because I would want to find out about her family background

 ❒ Because I would want to find out about his knowledge and education

 ❒ Because I would love her and would enjoy being with her

When two persons love each other and plan to marry, they want to find out information about each other. However, that is not the primary reason they date. They spend time together because they love each other and enjoy being together.

Similarly, you will learn much about God, His Word, His purposes, and His ways as you spend time with Him. You will come to know Him during the day as you experience Him working in and through your life. But learning about Him is not why you should want to have a quiet time with Him. The more you know Him and experience His unfathomable love, the more you will love Him. You will want time alone with God because you love Him and enjoy His fellowship.

Today’s lesson is shorter than normal to allow time for the following assignment. You may be able to do it today, but you might choose to set aside time later in the week. Plan to complete the assignment prior to your next small-group session. This assignment may require some planning or adapting. Feel free to adjust the assignment to your personal needs and circumstances. Many people have told me the following exercise was one of the most meaningful aspects of this study.

 Just as Adam and Eve walked with God in the cool of the day, set aside at least 30 minutes for a time to walk with God. If your location, physical condition, and weather permit, find a place outside to walk. Use this time to get out of your routine. You may even want to plan a special trip for part of a day to be alone with God. The place could be: in your neighborhood, a wooded area in the country, a city park, a beach, a garden, a mountain road, a lakeshore, or anywhere.

Spend time walking and talking with God. If the location permits, you may even want to talk out loud. Focus your thoughts on your Heavenly Father’s love for you and your love for Him. Praise Him for His love and mercy. Thank Him for expressions of His love to you. Be specific. Express your love for Him. Take time to worship Him and adore Him.

 After your walk, write about your feelings. Answer some of the following.

• How did you feel as you walked and talked with God?

• What aspect of your love relationship with God did you become aware of?

• If this was a difficult or an emotionally uneasy time, why do you think it was?

• What happened that was especially meaningful or joyful?

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SUMMARY STATEMENTS

When my relationship is as it ought to be, I will always be in fellowship with the Father.

I will make the priority in my life to love Him with all my heart.

I will have my quiet time because I know Him and love Him, not just because I want to learn more about Him.