Is My Walk Real?

Written by First appeared in the Collegiate Bible Study

Let's get personal! When stress and conflict knock on your door, what does your character reveal about your relationship with God? Do others see a life that is consistent with your faith? Does your crisis management reflect your trust in God? Use these truths from David's life to check your heart. 

The depth and authenticity of a relationship with God is not evaluated by how loudly we sing His praises or shout His glory, but how we live in obedience to His commands. That obedience lead to a life of abundance and blessing. God blesses us because He delights in us and is faithful toward us. We obey because we love God and want to please Him.

God Desires a Consistent Walk
Why does God bless His children? Is it because of His nature or because of how we respond to Him? David said the answer was yes to both! He said the Lord delivered him because God delighted in him. Read 2 Samuel 22:21-25. The very nature of God is to protect and care for His children. God’s goodness is not dependent on our behavior, but He does reward a righteous life.

David was not boasting when he talked about the integrity of his life. He stated that he had kept his heart, mind, and actions turned toward God. Even in the most difficult times, he remained steadfast in his devotion to God and His commands. David’s faith in God resulted in protection, provision, and victory. God’s covenant love for David yielded his favor and blessing.

David acted obediently because of his love for the Father and because he wanted to live a life consistent with his faith. That consistent life led to rewards and blessings from a good and gracious God. Do others see in you a life that is consistent with your faith?

God Responds to Our Deeds
David reflected on the just nature of God in 2 Sam. 22:26-28. God had been fair and perfect with all His dealings. He was faithful to His covenant with David and the children of Israel, yet dealt harshly but justly with the people when they rebelled.

God responded to a faithful people with faithfulness. He also showed His integrity and purity to those living a pure and blameless life. God is perfect. He is who He claims to be. God wants the same for us. He desire is for us to live a life beyond reproach, and a life where our hearts are pure and our walk matches our talk.

As the children of Israel walked blamelessly before God, they were met by God’s blameless character. To live blamelessly is to live a life of transparency. It is God’s people living in righteousness without the fear of judgment from within or without. David’s experience taught him that the more his heart was pure, the more he experienced God’s purity. The more righteously he lived, the more he experienced God’s righteousness.

God Will Lead Us to Safety and Success
God was always David’s light in darkness. David allowed God to light his way. He knew God was a trustworthy guide.

David’s encouragement to the people was not to show more self-esteem, but to discover the strength that comes from God. Read 2 Sam. 22:29-39. In verse 30, he states that God will give us everything we need to face the challenges along the path He has paved for us.

God was David’s refuge in trouble. David had many enemies to fight, including Saul, who was seeking his life. David often hid in rocks and caves to stay one step ahead of his enemy.

David realized and proclaimed in the pslam his discovery that true shelter and refuge is in the Lord. A follower of God is not exempt from life’s struggles. How one manages a crisis is what ought to separate those whose trust is in the Lord.
 

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