6 Spiritual Benefits of a Daily Walk
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I’m going through a tough season in my life right now, and while I normally love walking as a form of exercise, I took a far-too-extensive break. But recently, I started walking again, and I’ve noticed some tremendous spiritual benefits I’m gaining from my daily walk that help me grow closer to God in my journey as a Christian.
I’m a writer by profession, and most days, I use the Notes app on my phone and reflect via voice text, whether it’s a blog or a commentary or a piece of fiction I’m writing. While I have to sift through a lot of autocorrect typos, it’s good for my expressive spirit. The act of walking releases that expressiveness – all the longing of things I feel I must get out of my brain and share with others. This in turn uses the gifts God has given me—also a form of worship.
In Joshua 1:8, we’re told, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night.”
Walking helps me do that.
Sometimes I get in a prayer rut. I pray, but I feel a bit of a disconnect on my end. Maybe I’m busy or sad or distracted or uninspired for whatever reason. Maybe that particular day, God is feeling far away.
Instead of praying in my bed or as I drive or as I read the Bible, praying when I walk is a change that can stir my soul and liberate my spirit. The rhythmic pound of my feet upon the pavement, and the endorphins that are released as my body moves along the path somehow break thoughts free that I didn’t know were inside my head.
I bring them to the Lord in prayer.
“Pray continually,” we’re told in 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
Walking is fun! It doesn’t always feel that way at the start, and even partway through, but when I return I usually find I’m smiling—and not just because the walk is over. It makes me feel good and makes me nicer and kinder. It makes me more inclined to laugh and enjoy life.
God does not intend for us to be miserable. Walking unleashes joy within me, and that’s a good thing.
As Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
If you are seeking a way to draw closer to the Lord or grow in self-discipline, prayer, obedience, or another area, consider any of these six benefits as encouragement as you consider a daily walk practice.
More from this author
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How to Be the Person God Needs You to Be
7 Prayers for When You’re Feeling Discontent
Photo credit: Unsplash/Emma Simpson
