Three Scriptures You Need for Walking with God

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Many people ask how they can make sure they are walking with God throughout the day. It’s a wonderful question that reveals the heart motivation of all those who know the Lord. How would you answer it? Now, there are many things we need to know and understand as believers, but it’s important to consider the starting point for every Christian. My thought is if I get things narrowed down to what I need at the foundational level, then I will have the most crucial truths to give God glory all day long.

To walk with God during the day, all day, every day means being right with Him. Fellowship with God is interrupted when we sin. If I want to walk with the Lord all day long then what do I need to know so I can do that well? Three verses contain what we need to know and apply to live closely with the Lord. Implementing Psalm 119:11, 1 John 1:9, and 1 Corinthians 10:13 will ensure that we are walking in the light with the light of God’s Word steering us (Psalm 119:105; Ephesians 5:8-10). Now please know that I’m not saying there aren’t other verses or truths to help you walk with the Lord or that these are the only ones you need to know. What I am saying is that these truths are your foundation for walking faithfully with the Lord each day of your life (Psalm 89:15; Proverbs 3:5-8).

Let’s Begin with Psalm 119:11

Sin hurts our relationship with God. One of the first signs of your new heart as a believer is your desire to turn away from sin and resist temptation. God has given us a marvelous resource in His Word to do just that. Psalm 119:11 says, “Your Word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.” Applying this verse helps us not fall into or engage in sin. Memorizing the Scriptures, studying them, reading them, and praying over them will help you do battle against sin. A simple enough truth, but a truth we need to apply all the days of our lives.

Remembering the Resources of 1 Corinthians 10:13

Did you know that falling into sin isn’t inevitable if we consider what we learn from 1 Corinthians 10:13? The Bible tells us, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” It’s helpful to know everyone is tempted to sin, but no temptation is so great that we have to give into it. We’re told in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that God will always provide a way to escape sin—if we look for it by remembering the truths of the Bible and call out to the Lord for help. It’s also helpful to see the distinction between the temptation to sin and giving way to sin. Jesus was tempted to sin, but He endured and escaped falling into sin when He applied the Scriptures (Matthew 4:1-11; Hebrews 4:15-16).

Taking Comfort from 1 John 1:9

Even after treasuring God’s Word in our hearts, we will still sin. When we disobey the Lord in some way, God gives us just what we need to deal with the offense and quickly move back intoa right relationship with Him. God says in 1 John 1:9 that when “we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Swiftly turning away from sin means our fellowship with God can resume. Wallowing in or continuing to engage in sin grieves the Holy Spirit who resides in us. The faster we apply 1 John 1:9 after we sin, the faster we are cleansed from it.

Learn to Apply These Truths Quickly

Did you know the main difference between a mature believer and an immature one is that a mature believer has learned to quickly apply 1 John 1:9? It’s true! Make it the practice of your life to confess and repent of your sin as soon as you can, so you can return to walking in the light with the Lord (1 John 1:5-10). A believer’s life is a daily cycling through the truths found in Psalm 119:11, 1 Corinthians 10:13, and 1 John 1:9. Begin your day tucking God’s Word away in your heart in preparation for the temptation to sin that is sure to come. Then when you are tempted to sin, remember the resources God has given to help you say no to sin. Yet, when you do fall into sin, run quickly to the Lord to be made clean so your fellowship with Him can resume.

God explains it similarly in 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1, “For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, ‘I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE,’ says the Lord. ‘AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; and I will welcome you. And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me,’ Says the Lord Almighty. Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

Spiritually, we are all to walk with the Lord. The same life skills you use as a young believer will continue to see you through until that day when you behold the Lord face to face. Draw near to the Lord each and every day by applying Psalm 119:11, 1 Corinthians 10:13, and 1 John 1:9.