Deuteronomy 5:33 Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your GOD hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess. [King James Translation]
Summary
The Israelites were a walking people. Walking was the most common form of "transportation," getting from one place to another. Generally, everyone walked. As a walking people, the Israelites understood what a path was. A path was an area that had already been cleared away and was generally the safest way of reaching one's destination. For example, when traveling at night, it was important to stay on the path. Wandering off could cause a person to end up in a ditch or worse. Getting distracted by things along the path and sometimes cause a traveler to leave or wander off the "beaten path" could be dangerous. Understanding the importance of "staying on the path," Moses uses the everyday task of walking to describe the people's spiritual journey and relationship with GOD.
In Deuteronomy 5:32, Moses cautions the people to not turn to the right or to the left, but instead to "stay focused" and to stay on the spiritual path of obeying GOD's laws and direction. Moses probably wanted to remind the people of the wilderness years when GOD "went before the people" by day "in a pillar of a cloud" and by night "in a pillar of fire" as the people walked through their wilderness trek. (Exodus 13:22.) The people could not see the path, but GOD could. They had to rely, by faith, on GOD. In Deuteronomy 5:33, Moses reminds the people that following GOD's WORD and ways was still the way to long life and well being.
Our Physical Walking
According to www.mayoclinic.com, walking is a gentle, low-impact form of exercise that is accessible to many. It is generally, safe, simple and does not require too much practice. And, the health benefits are many. Walking can:
- Lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol)
- Raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol)
- Lower your blood pressure
- Reduce your risk of or manage type 2 diabetes
- Manage your weight
- Improve your mood
- Help you stay strong and fit
See, "Walking: Trim your waiseline, improve your health," by Mayo Clinic staff, www.mayoclinic.com.
To help avoid injuries, while walking, Mayo Clinic recommends that a person:
- Get the right gear---wear comfortable footwear, choosing shoes with the proper arch support, firm heels, flexible soles and cushion to absorb the impact as you walk and wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing. If you walk outside, choose clothing appropriate for the weather conditions.
- Use proper walking technique---hold your head high; move your shoulders and hand naturally and freely; tuck in your pelvis; gently tighten your stomach muscles and focus your eyes 15 to 20 feet in front of you.
- Warm up—stretch your muscles before walking, including stretching your calves, your ankles, your hamstrings, and side stretches.
- Cool down after each walking session—walk slowly for about five minute to reduce stress on your heart and muscles and then repeat your stretches.
As Mayo Clinic suggests, stay motivated! Make it fun! Remember your goals and don't sabotage your plans to reach a higher level of fitness by giving up too soon or being too hard on yourself. You may not be where you want to be, but be glad that at least you started!
Our Spiritual Walk
GOD still wants to direct our paths. HIS WORD is still a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. (Psalm 119:105) JESUS still instructs HIS disciples to follow HIM. (Matthew 16:24)
This week let us each examine and re-examine our efforts for greater physical fitness and our spiritual "walk" with HIM. Let us remember our goals: to be like HIM; to follow HIM; to allow HIM to direct our path; to be all HE would have us to be and to be a blessing and MORE--- MORE than conquerors! (Romans 8:37)
Stay motivated. Stay focused! Stay on the path!
Keep "walking" and BE BLESSED.
