The Bible often refers to the Christian's "walk." In this context, the word "walk" refers to our lifestyle, or our conduct. As the Lord led me to study some of the aspects of our Christian walk, He also led me to pray for them to be realized in my life, and the lives of others.

In Wisdom. Proverbs 28:26 (NIV) says: "He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe." In every situation we face, we can pray that we would approach it with godly wisdom. If we walk in wisdom in our relationships, we will avoid becoming involved with companions who are outside of God's will for us. If we use wisdom in handling our finances, we will be "kept safe" from debt and lack. And if we walk in wisdom where our health and body care are concerned, we will spare ourselves the suffering and sickness that come from neglecting our health. Are you facing a difficult situation right now? Apply God's wisdom to it, and watch what happens.

In Truth. The apostle John wrote: "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." (3 John 4 NIV) As God's people, we have the privilege, and the responsibility, to walk in His truth. Jesus prayed to the Father: "Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth." (John 17:17 NIV) By devoting ourselves to Scripture - reading it, memorizing it, meditating on it, and applying it to our lives - we will be better equipped to recognize the deceptions of our enemy, Satan. This is essential, because if the devil can make us believe a lie, he can have tremendous influence over our lives. Jesus said: "Everyone on the side of truth listens to Me." (John 18:37 NIV) Scripture has a purifying effect on our minds and hearts, and by studying it diligently and prayerfully, we will be better able to walk in truth and holiness.

In Peace. The Bible says that we are "called to live in peace." (Colossians 3:15 NLT) That means that no matter what our circumstances are like, it is possible for us, as followers of Christ, to walk in peace. Isaiah 26:3 (AMP) gives us some insight into how we can cooperate with God to achieve this kind of supernatural peace. "You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You." This verse reveals the importance of disciplining our thoughts, and deliberately keeping our minds set on God and the things of God. Our minds have a natural tendency to dwell on dark and negative thoughts, instead of pure and positive ones. By reprogramming our minds with the truths in Scripture, and making a deliberate decision to put our trust in the Lord, we can walk in the peace that is our inheritance in Christ. (John 14:27)

In Love. The apostle Paul wrote: "Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]. And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us…" (Ephesians 5:1-2 AMP) God is deeply concerned about our "love walk." He calls us to love everyone with His kind of love. He has a right to demand these high standards from us because He has given us His Holy Spirit to pour the God-kind of love into our hearts on a continual basis. (Romans 5:5) We won't be intimidated by these lofty divine demands if we will keep in mind that love is not a feeling - it's a decision. And it's a decision that you and I are able to make in every situation, because God provides the power as we provide the will. (Philippians 2:13)

What aspects of YOUR walk with God could use some improvement today?

Prayer: Lord, from this day forward, I pray that I would always walk in wisdom, in truth, in peace, and in love. Help me to live and conduct myself in a manner that is worthy of You, fully pleasing You in all things. Thank You that as I pray according to Your will this way, and as I cooperate with Your Spirit, I can be confident that my "walk" will glorify You!