A few years ago, I started taking long walks at a local park. Because it was springtime, the surrounding fields were vibrant and the aroma of honeysuckle lingered in the air. These walks became my evening pilgrimage. No matter how restless my heart and body became during the day, this steady, put-one-foot-in-front-of-the-other rhythm of movement restored me to balance by the end of each mile. Disharmony and agitation were exchanged for peace and surrender.
During a lonely three months, Jesus kept me company on these walks. I’ve always felt closest to God in nature, and there’s something about the art of walking that draws me in even closer. Maybe it’s the sights along the way or the forward movement itself that feels like taking action. Whatever the reasons, I feel invited into something—into new ways of seeing and being that are unlike what I experience sitting under a cozy blanket or at a cherry-red stoplight.
Walking with God isn’t limited to the act of walking, though. After all, what about those who don’t have that physical capacity? Walking with God is about accepting the invitation to keep company with Him. As we intentionally keep company with our Savior, we become more aware of His presence and learn to move to the rhythms of His love.
When Jesus walked along the Sea of Galilee, He called out for Peter and Andrew to follow, and the disciples “immediately they left their nets and followed him” (Matthew 4:20). Jesus also called out to John and his brother, James, the son of Zebedee (v.21). He then drew crowds from the regions of Galilee, Jerusalem, the Decapolis, Judea, and the Jordan (v.25). You might call Him a collector of people because of how His presence compelled others to follow Him. Of course, this wasn’t a lust for attention; it was because there was something about Jesus’s company that transformed people. This was an invitation into companionship with Jesus. It was an invitation into new ways of seeing and being. It required action—and not just from their feet—also from their hearts.
It’s easy to grow distant and inattentive to Jesus’s presence. But because the Holy Spirit inhabits us, we know that God never leaves us. We can’t escape Him, but we can walk toward things that draw us away. This is why Jesus said, “Remain in me, and I in you” (John 15:4). Walking with awareness of God brings us intimacy and abundant life that just isn’t possible apart from a relationship with Him.
There will always be activities and anxieties that feel urgent. I hope we learn the slow, steady practice of walking with our God every hour of the day because it’s here that we grow in our relationship with Him and learn the rhythms of His love. Whatever our hands find to do, I hope we carry a willingness to drop our nets when He calls and to keep company with Jesus.
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46 thoughts on "Walking in God’s Presence"
I think it is easy for me to minimize what the actual reality is of Christ with me. I want to bear fruit – I don’t want to be the one who is not taking advantage of is precede the benefits of his grace, compassion and peace. To grow closer to him while also being willing to be pruned to experience that closeness.
On a side note loved those verses – pointing out the women who were also following along, it warms my heart
Praying this week more than ever I answer the call to drop the nets.
Walking with my savior day by day!
I love walking, but I don’t always have the time for a leisurely walk now with two small girls. Many times I feel like I am sprinting to go the next destination and then stopping for a minute and then sprinting to the next destination. I am sometimes so distracted by all the things that need to be done that I don’t always just sit and enjoy a moment. I want to be better at that. I wanna be better and enjoying the people around me and truly loving them the way that she has called me too.
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No day 25 as of 9:55 pm. They must be having issues again.
Hi! Our team is looking into this and we hope to have Day 25 up very soon on both shereadstruth.com/plans and in the She Reads Truth App!
We’re so grateful for you!
Day 25 can be accessed by clicking on “Today’s Reading”, in the upper right corner.
As Kelly Neo mentioned, the scripture readings are listed in He Reads Truth…So thankful for the reminder today in Ephesians 1:13-14 that as born again believers in Christ – we can never lose our salvation. We are sealed – until the day of our redemption! The Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our inheritance. Praise God that He loves me, He has saved me, He has sealed me – I am His for all eternity!! Nothing can take me out of the palm of His hand.
Have a blessed day ladies – hopefully Day 25 will be up soon!
Good morning- the “Day 25” is missing from today’s devo. Devo is accessible from iPad or computer – look for Today’s Reading link, upper right of main SRT page.
I’ve emailed them to correct.
Don’t know why the double Kelly happens :-(
As of 5:30 am no day 25.
HRT is posted. Here is the Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:16-20, John 14:15-31, John 15:1-8, John 15:26, John 16:13-15, John 20:19-21, 1 John 3:24, Ephesians 1:13-14
If you go to the website and hit Today’s Reading from the drop down it is there on STT
All praises
No deck up yet, so thought I’d use time to lift you all dear she’S in prayer..
KATIE K.. Keeping you and your son in My prayers. It is a BIG one, but prayerful you can make the transition too and bloom into the person you are now meant or going to be.. It is not going to be easy.. BUT GOD.. is with you..❤
GLORIA D.. Praying for you as you journey with your mum and dementia..❤
MAE..I am sorry for your loss.. BUT GOD..❤
ERB.. thanking God For you and all you give here, you are a blessing..❤
CHANGED LIFE.. Lifting you and your concerns up to the Lord..❤
KIMBERLEY Z..Thankful you have someone to share (and maybe one day) and do life with. God sees you.❤
KELLY NEO..Thank you for the quote from HRT, lovely and on point..❤
JULIA C.. Thank you dear heart,for prayers and commentaries each day..❤
MARI V.. ❤
CLAIRE B..❤
MIA FAITH.. And family, in My heart, covered in prayers..❤
TRACI GENDRON..Prayerful you managed to get a good night’s sleep, last night.. By His grace..❤
SEE GEE..Thank you for the prayers for these growing old bones, hope you are feeling strengthened as the day has gone on!
SHARON JERSEY GIRL..❤
LYNN FROM ALABAMA Holding you and Jack up in prayer, dear sister..❤
GRAMSIESUE..Praying God’s presence as you take care of Steve, and praying you both have peace as you do this journey together..❤
MERCY.. I hope all is well.❤
VICTORIA E.. So very glad there has been a slight resolve in your favour. Continued prayers for absolute resolve in you utmost favour, to the Glory of God.❤
TAYLOR G.. Holding you close..❤
DONNA WOLCOTT..Thank you for sharing the extra from the book.. Very helpful..❤
JULIA KEIFER..Praying for you to see these weeks out with the peace of God that surpasses ALL understanding over you.
Do not be afraid for the Lord your God is with you..❤
SEARCHING.. you are to tooooo kind..❤
TAYLOR.. BUT you did, down tools. God sees you, dear heart..❤
Happy Thursday, dear wonderful ladies.❤
Dana, Searching, Kelly (Neo), Michelle Patire, Julia C, and others who prayed, thank you. The acute situation was resolved swiftly in my favor!! It was literally miraculous. Praise the Lord! The long term situation of what to do next is still unclear, continued prayers are so much appreciated !
Wonderful!
In this world, it can be hard being a Christian. There are temptations everywhere and many people around us persecute us for being followers of Christ. But today’s readings remind us to take up our cross and follow Him regardless. We are reminded that without Christ we will wither away and be tossed into the fire. It is only through Him that we can prosper. If we fall victim to sinful desires and walk away from the Lord, we will not inherit His kingdom. So, although it may be difficult being a follower and obeying God’s commands, I find comfort and peace knowing that by walking with Jesus in my heart and by following His will, I am working toward gaining the greatest gift of all-eternal life in Heaven with our Father. Much love to all of you. Happy Wednesday ❤️
It’s easy for me to be a busy little “Martha.” But spending time at Jesus’ feet restores me and refreshes me. I need to remember the vibe, apart from Him I can do nothing! Time spent with the Lord is time well spent!
Praying for everyone!
For those who don’t get the books, there was an extra today. It was titled, Psalms, Worship and the Presence of God.
First – Seek, Psalm 63:1-5
Second – Rest, Psalm 91:1-4, 9-10
Third – Lament, Psalm 88:13-18
Fourth – Celebrate, Psalm 95:1-7
She’s thank you.
Thank you for praying for each other and build a community online.
God’s love is seen by people who have never seen each other in person.
I confess i often sit on the sidelines and just listen or scroll past the comment section completely.
This next two weeks will be a good time but a hard time. I resigned from my job and gave my two weeks because i could no longer support the abusive workplace. I will still be working there for two more weeks without the protection that my boss is trying to keep me. I am nervous but confident in God.
Struggling this morning with what the flesh desires! Trying to convince myself the Spirit isn’t screaming at me to turn around!!!! Prayers today for clarity and discipline! Happy Wednesday She’s! ☮️❤️ to you all
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I can relate to walking and talking to God! I love this time of year. Actually it starts at the beginning of Spring when all the trees start to blossom and I ENJOY the beauty our Father God has created for our eyes to to enjoy! Its during these walks (and sometimes runs) that is MINE and JESUS time! I talk. I cry. I sing. I praise. Sometimes vent my frustrations. LOVE it! On Saturdays, I walk with my sweet friend and we do the same, talk, cry, praise, pray for others, VENT. On one of our recent walks, as we headed UP the walking overpass, we could hear someone screaming and crying. AS we came down the overpass we saw a young sitting against the wall of some apartments and the look on her face with frustration as she cried and yelled to whomever she was talking to. RIGHT away my sweet friend and I started to pray for her! All this to say is I think of this young lady and hope she’s OK. I can remember being in such a place of the UNKNOWN and turning to JESUS! MY JESUS who gave me comfort. I forever will be GRATEFUL to my Jesus and all those who came along side me to support me.
Argh…I couldn’t sleep last night. I was awake until after 4:30. Might be a hard day.
I have always been a walker. After Tanner died it was one thing that I needed. I would walk talking to God. I like to walk without distractions. To take in the beauty of the earth. Lately I’ve been walking with my husband since he retired. I enjoy it, but I miss the solitude and spending time with Jesus.
Remain in me and I in you. That is what I want and need.
“Walking with awareness of God brings us intimacy and abundant life that just isn’t possible apart from a relationship with Him.”. Great words today, BAILEY GILLESPIE!
I was reminded of the old hymn ” I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” – no turning back, but I love this contemporary song. It always gives my spirit a boost!
Walk with Jesus by Consumed by Fire
So many people tryna fill a void inside
So many questions, asking how, asking why
I might not have all the answers, but I’ve tasted and I’ve seen
There’s a better path with Jesus, there’s no going back for me
I’m gonna live the way He says to live
Do what He says to do
You can choose whatever road you choose
But I’m gonna love the way He says to love
Trust the way He says to trust
This world alone will never be enough
So I’m gonna walk with Jesus
I’m gonna walk, I’m gonna walk
I’m gonna walk with Jesus
I’m gonna walk with Jesus
(I’m gonna walk, I’m gonna walk)
He’s in the leading, that’s why I follow where He goes
He’s in restoring, all the lost and broken souls
He keeps moving rich in mercy, He meets us where we are
No matter where you’ve gone, no such thing as ‘gone too far’
I’m gonna live the way He says to live
Do what He says to do
You can choose whatever road you choose
But I’m gonna love the way He says to love
Trust the way He says to trust
This world alone will never be enough
So I’m gonna walk with Jesus
I’m gonna walk, I’m gonna walk
I’m gonna walk with Jesus, I’m gonna walk with Jesus
I’m gonna walk (I’m gonna walk), I’m gonna walk (I’m gonna walk)
I’m gonna walk with Jesus (I’m gonna walk)
Though none go with me, still I will follow
Though none go with me
I’m gonna walk, I’m gonna walk
Though none go with me, still I will follow
Though none go with me
I’m gonna walk, I’m gonna walk
Though none go with me, still I will follow
Though none go with me
I’m gonna walk, I’m gonna walk
(Though none go with me)
I’m gonna live the way He says to live
Do what He says to do
You can choose whatever road you choose
But I’m gonna love the way He says to love
Trust the way He says to trust
This world alone will never be enough
So I’m gonna walk with Jesus
I’m gonna walk, I’m gonna walk
I’m gonna walk with Jesus, I’m gonna walk with Jesus
I’m gonna walk, I’m gonna walk
I’m gonna walk with Jesus, I’m gonna walk with Jesus
I’m gonna walk
I’m gonna walk with Jesus
I’m gonna walk with Jesus
Songwriters: Don Koch, Jordan David Ward, Caleb Paul Ward.
SEARCHING – Praying for Shannon, her mom and care team, for wisdom, peace, and comfort. How disappointing that hope-filled resolution fell through for your relative. Continued prayers for a God- ordained breakthrough – one that will glorify Him and cause all involved to recognize His gift. Praying for endurance for you in this stressful season! ❤
JULIA C – Wonderful shares; thank you! And,again, I say amen to your prayer. ❤
TINA – May God revive those aching bones and muscles! I tilled the garden for almost an hour last evening so I was a little stiff this morning, too, but thankfully better now! Hugs back to you, sister!
I read a quite beautiful explanation of “keeping in step with the Spirit”. Galatians 5:25 It said – ‘to keep in step, as in a formal dance, where the man (Christ the bridegroom) initiates and the woman (the church, the bride of Christ) follows. Both dancers then move in synchrony – the woman keeping in step with the man. The Spirit initiates the dance by convicting sinners of the need for salvation and regenerates and calls us to be born again. We respond by faith. The dance is set in motion as we begin to live by the Spirit.” Can you just picture us – flowing across the dance floor in a beautiful synchronized dance with Christ!!
Father God, oh how I want to be dancing in synchrony with You. I desire to follow your lead but so often the flesh gets in the way. I yield to temptation – I get out of step. Please keep bringing me back every time I get out of step. Help me to live daily by the Spirit. May I always be in synchrony with You as You lead day by day.
Praying for all your request today. May each of us keep in step with the Spirit today, and everyday. Much love & prayers for you all! ❤️
@Sharon, Jersey Girl – ❤️ dancing with Jesus… what
@Searching – ♥️ praying the Lord’s presence be known to Shannon, her mom, and family as her mom is suffering. May the doctors know how to care for her and help her family understand what is best. ♥️ Also prayer for your relative who is in need – the Lord’s grace to them and hope sustain them.
@Victoria E- I pray God’s peace to you as you navigate this narrow road. May His presence guide and keep you. May you continue to cling to Him when things feel especially hard and uncertain. I pray you continue in prayer and trust Him for the way out of all difficulty. ♥️
@Mia Faith – thinking of you and your family – God bless you. ♥️
@Lynne from Alabama, Linda in NC, Gramsiesue – thinking of you and your husbands… God loves you all so much. ♥️
@Taylor, Kimberly Z, and Sarah D – thinking of my fellow young women here, too… God’s peace and direction to you. ♥️ (@Kimberly – read your post the other day – may God continue to guide you in your relationship and life decisions ♥️)
@Mercy – thinking of you and your husband. Praying God’s grace keeps you in unity and love. ♥️
Love to you all ♥️
Amen.
I don’t really have a “follower” mentality. I like to be in control, so I often find that I take over and lead in situations so that things are done “the right way”…ahem…my way. And it’s easier to be a follower, right? If you let someone else do the leading, then you don’t have to worry about making decisions or planning. You can just do what you are told and sit back and let them do all the hard work…easy, right???
“If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” Hmmm….that doesn’t sound so easy. I find it easy to say I want to follow Jesus. But do I really want to take up His cross? Do I really want to suffer for Him? Do I really want to deny myself what I want for Him? Do I really want to put aside my own wants and desires and FuLLY follow Him? This is what it means to follow after Jesus. Not so easy after all. BUT, “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me and the gospel will save it.” It is worth losing my life, to save it and live with Him forever! Lord, help me to fully follow You today and every day! Amen
I literally had to force myself to lay down my work & phone distractions and come here this morning. I am thankful for the Spirit’s leading in our lives. From yesterday’s devotion, we know that the Holy Spirit living in us provided by Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross equips us to walk in step with the Spirit. It is not by our own striving to walk in step with the Spirit, it is HIS power alive in us! I pray I would demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit in those I interact with today <3
Learn the rhythm of His love.
I love this! Spirit, draw me in so I recognize His love.
May I follow and trust in Him faithfully, at all times.
Praying:
VICTORIA E – for guidance in job circumstances
CHANGED LIFE – for facing the 2 major concerns
ANNA LEONOR – your dad and family in navigating his medical journey
GLORIA D – wisdom and relief of worries
TINA – for rejuvenation of those tired bones! ❤️
AMIYA COBB – clarity in your relationship choices ❤️
MISSY CSONKA – songs that come to mind ❤️
TRACI GENDRON ❤️
TAYLOR G ❤️
SHARON JERSEY GIRL ❤️
MAE – thank you for testimony
MICHELLE PATIRE – thank you for your testimony
JULIA C – amen!
CEE GEE ❤️
For those of you who prayed for Shannon’s mom last year – she had recovered, gained strength and had been doing well. Sadly, she had a major cardiac event over the weekend and is in ICU. Praying for the family in this very difficult time as many other health issues have now come to light.
For my relative – a setback yesterday that required a shift in plans. Praying for facility acceptance in these newly known (to us, but not to God!) circumstances.
Holy Spirit prompt me to your presence always. I need You on the life journey. In Jesus name, Amen
From HRT today: “As we walk in the presence of God, we will find the joy of belonging to Him, the truth that He has died for us, and that He is conforming us into His glorious image.”
All so true, yet in my flesh, I continually wonder off, distracted by some “bright, shining object” the world or the devil is dangling in front of me. (Sigh)
AMIYA COBB – praying you press in to God for strength and dirction in your relationship
ANNA LEONOR – continued prayers for your dad and wisdom for his medical team
VICTORIA E – praying the Lord opens a door for you to exit your situation.
SEARCHING – happy to hear God has lead you and your family to some solutions.
“If we live by the spirit, let us also keep in step with the spirit.” Such a powerful verse. I want to keep in step with the Spirit. So often I allow my flesh to take over. And it’s literally a battle. “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” So very weak. I cannot live a Godly life on my own. I want and need the Holy Spirit’s guidance. And I pray for my obedience.
JESSICA MATHISEN – “The call of God on each of our lives is to know Him and make Him known. Amen and Amen ❤️
DONNA WOLCOTT – Thank you for sharing! “God is concerned with the little details of my life. With his help, even the discouraging scribbles of your life can become a masterpiece.” Thank you for sharing, Donna! ❤️
Dear TINA – ”Do not try this at home’.. unless YOU KNOW YOUR GOD is the source of your strength”. Always grateful for your boosts! Praying God gives you energy today❤️
KELLY (NEO) – “Surrendering it all brings true victory” AMEN.…❤️
KATE K – Praying for peace and patience for both you and your son now he goes to school.
DANIELLE B – How did your dad’s surgery go?
TARA B – Praying for wisdom, trust, and God’s provision for you and your children.
CHAR HIGHT – Praying for God’s presence to surround you in difficult times.
SEARCHING – Continued prayers for clarity in the decision-making of your relative.
TAYLOR – Echoing your prayer “I pray that we would have eyes to see God’s presence equipping us to what He has called us to today.” ❤️
ANNA LEONOR – Praying for your dad, Armando, that God will find a way for him to get a kidney transplant.
ERB – “Nothing happens without His permission”. ❤️
CHERYL BLOW – Praying for peace and patience in the recovery process.
TRACI & TAYLOR G ❤️
CHANGED LIFE – Lifting you up in prayer. May you feel His presence and let Him guide you.
VICTORIA E – Praying for God’s guidance and provision in your work situation.
“Walking with awareness of God brings us intimacy and abundant life that just isn’t possible apart from a relationship with Him.” Amen, BAILEY GILLESPIE❤️
Matthew 4:18-22 | Do I hear Jesus when He calls me? How quick am I to respond?
Luke 10:38-42 | “Imagine not that to sit at Jesus’ feet is a very small, unmeaning thing. It means peace, for they who submit to Jesus find peace through his precious, blood. It means holiness, for those who learn of Jesus learn no sin, but are instructed in things lovely and of good repute. It means strength, for they that sit with Jesus, and feed upon him, are girded with his, strength; the joy of the Lord is their strength. It means wisdom, for they that learn of the Son of God understand more than the ancients, because they keep his statutes. It means zeal, for the love of Christ fires hearts that live upon it, and they that are much with Jesus become like Jesus, so that the zeal of the Lord’s house eats them up.” (Spurgeon, from Enduring Word)
Mark 8:34-38 | “Give up yourself, and you will find your real self. Lose your life and you will save it. Submit to death, the death of your ambitions and favorite wishes every day and the death of your whole body in the end: Submit with every fiber of your being, and you will find eternal life. Keep nothing back. Nothing that you have not given away will be really yours. Nothing in you that has not died will ever be raised from the dead. Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin and decay. But look for Christ and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in.” (C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity)
John 15:9-10 | “No one has ever been deeply changed by an act of the will. The only thing that can reforge and change a life at its root is love”. (Tim Keller, King’s Cross)
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Dear Father,
You call us and lead us into a relationship with You.
May we be quick to follow, walking with you as you guide us through life.
May we be eager to sit at your feet, as we hear what you say and rest in Your presence.
May we lay down our ambitions, our accomplishments and our agenda and submit ourselves to You.
Because only in Christ, Your beloved Son, we find who we really are —who you made us to be.
Change us, Father, by making us at home in Your love.
In Jesus’ name,
AMEN.
Struggled to get up this morning, lol, the bones and body are feeling old and tired. Not able to comment now, bur will return later, please God, to do so.
In the meantime, hugs, covered in love and prayers for all.❤️
Tina, daily struggle @68 but thankful for another day♥️
What this daily prayer meant to me was the realization that we are called to walk and embody Jesus so that we are saved. Not just good people but eternally saved by our savior. When doing worldly acts and thinking with the flesh instead of the spirt we are not growing anymore closer to God and that is what I am called to do. Not so that I can change who I am but so that I am able to embody the lord. Recently its been on my mind (thinking w my flesh) that my sexual desires that vincent and I have been having is making me feel guilty and i am setting myself back by compromising. You do not compromise with Jesus that’s not what he is here for he did not compromise dying for me.
Amen