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 people who walked. Walking was the most common way to get from one place to another. As a walking people, the Israelites understood the meaning of a “path.” A path was an area that had already been cleared away and usually the safest and easiest way to reach a destination. A path was generally free from tripping hazards, like stones or wild vines, because the feet of frequent travelers had already made the path smooth. 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 or wandering off the “beaten path” could be dangerous. A person could literally walk off a cliff, if they did not stay on the path. So, 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 their 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 in the wilderness. (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 tells the people that when they follow GOD’s WORD and ways, it is the best path, leading to long [everlasting] life and spiritual well-being.
Psalms 119, the longest psalm of all the psalms and the longest chapter in the Bible, reiterates Moses’ instructions. In Hebrew the opening words of this psalm are” Ashrei temimei derech” (“happy are those whose way is perfect”) or “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walks in the law of THE LORD.” (See, Palms 119: 1, King James translation.)
Our Physical Walk
The Physical Activities Guidelines for American by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderately-intense aerobic physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intense physical activity, or the equivalent combination every week. The guidelines also recommend that children and adolescents be active for at least 60 minutes every day. According to the CDC following those guidelines will contribute to the overall health of Americans and decrease their risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. See, https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/walking/.
According to the CDC walking is “a great way” to get the physical activity needed to maintain good health. Walking does not require a gym membership. Walking generally does not require any special skill. And, it doesn’t require a special place. It can be incorporated into one’s daily routine.
The website: “Every Body Walk,” the movement to get everybody walking, www.everybody.org, has a number of videos and articles about the benefits of walking including:
- Bob Sallis, MD Walking and Diabetes;
- Did You Know We are Eating Less, But Walking Less;
- Benefits of Walking;
- American Dream: Walk to School;
- Workplace Walking- A Case Study: Kaiser Permanente
According to WebMD, walking may be one of the simplest ways to workout. According to WebMD, when you walk your heart gets stronger, you tend to lower your blood pressure, your bones get stronger and your legs may get stronger. Walking tends to give you a better outlook on life and reduces stress. Many also sleep better. See “Walking,” by Kara Mayer Robinson, http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/a-z/walking-workouts. You can also include a short stretch before or after a walk.
Even if you cannot exercise or walk 5 days a week, remember, some exercise is better than none!
So, just get started! And, take it one week at a time! Here are some tips:
- If you drive to work, park your car far away so you have to walk;
- Include a walk break as part of your lunch hour;
- Find a walking buddy at home or at work;
- Walk while you wait (e.g., if you have to take a child to music classes, sports practice or some other activity that requires you to wait, walk while you are waiting);
- Walk around the block at work or find a building with stairs and walk some stairs;
- Walk to the nearest mailbox or the next closest mailbox to mail your letters.
If you are in a wheelchair or have limited mobility, there are a number of organizations that have wheelchair accessible trails and maps. For example, in California, see: https://www.traillink.com/stateactivity/ca-wheelchair-accessible-trails/. Also speak to your doctor about exercises, equipment or devices that simulate walking or the best exercises for you.
Whatever your physical condition or abilities, if you have questions, always consult your personal physician about what is the right or safe exercise for you.
Our Spiritual Walk
GOD still wants to direct our paths. HE wants us to walk with HIM. HE still wants to be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. (Psalm 119:105).
Just as each of us can increase our physical walk, each of us can increase our spiritual walk (with GOD). HE is just waiting to light our way.
So, start walking, keep “walking,” be healthy and BE BLESSED.
