Take a hike!

I love this time of year when summer turns to fall. Where I live in South Arkansas, that means the temperature goes from 100° to 90° from summer to fall-ish. Not that I'm complaining; it makes a big difference to my mental health. We are blessed to have 48 beautiful acres on our church property with people who keep up beautiful trails. When the weather is right, I enjoy praying and walking and spending time with God.

Did you know there are many times in the Bible when it's described that a person walked with God? The prophet Micah told us that God wants us to do good, to act just, to love mercy, and to walk in humility with God.

My problem is I often run ahead of God or lag behind. The Bible reminds me of the importance of slowing down to be with God and to walk with Him step by step, moment by moment. Someone once said that God gives us just enough light for the step we're on. I like that. There are many decisions, circumstances, and activities tomorrow holds that are out of my control. I just need to trust and walk with God in the present moment.

To make it really practical, let me share a beautiful thought from one of the best books I've read in the last year: "Jesus and Your Mental Health" by Rebecca Maxwell, LMFT." She says: "walking outside, especially in nature, is shown to have a significant positive impact on anxiety in a variety of studies? One of the reasons behind the reduction in anxiety is lateral eye movements that come with walking. While walking, your eyes move laterally back and forth to guide you. These eye movements quiet the activity in the amygdala (the emotional center in the brain responsible for detecting threats."

When you and I walk with the Good Shepherd day by day, we can be still and know that He is God, that He's making a way for us, even looking out for threats and keeping us from harm. In addition to walking with God spiritually, why don't you take a walk with Him physically today? Imagine how much better you'll feel.