Of Walking Before The Lord

Adapted From A Sermon By

Philip Doddridge

I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. (Psalms 116:9 ESV)

Our text this mornign Psalm 116:9: I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living as we consider the idea of Walking Before The Lord.

This moving psalm was undoubtedly written by David, reflecting a time when God saved him from what seemed like an imminent disaster, possibly a life-threatening illness from which he had just recovered. Although it's unclear exactly what this ordeal was, it's reasonable to think it might have been a severe sickness that brought him close to death. He describes this experience vividly: "The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me," suggesting he felt extreme pain and despair, like being at death's door.

But just as he was on the brink, divine intervention stepped in. God turned his suffering into relief, transforming his cries into hymns of gratitude. This experience filled him with a deep commitment to live the rest of his life in devotion and service to God. He says, "you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling;  I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living."

As believers, when we read this psalm, we're not just appreciating its poetic beauty and energy; we should also see it as a reflection of our own experiences or at least how we should feel in our hearts. Life hasn't been entirely without its trials and tribulations for any of us. Surely, we've all faced moments where God's presence seemed both a warning and a comfort. Each of us might recall times of profound fear or pain, where we felt encircled by death's despair, or the grave seemed all too ready to claim us.

One might say, "I was confined to a sickbed, believing I'd never rise again, with loved ones mourning me as if I were already gone." Another might remember, "In that exact spot, I encountered a grave danger, which made me truly appreciate God's protective hand. I nearly fell, and in that moment, my only coherent thought was to entrust my soul to God, and His mercy sustained me." Various little details, often overlooked, have likely turned potentially deadly situations harmless.

The specifics differ for each of us, yet likely none of us can deny having moments where we could echo the psalmist's words, "You have saved me from death, kept my eyes from tears, and prevented my fall." And shouldn't we also follow with, "I will live my life in God's sight, in this world?"

To help us embrace and act on this commitment:

I. Let's explore what it means to "walk before the Lord."

II. Let's examine the reasons this text gives us for making such a commitment.

I. Let's delve into what David's resolution means - what it entails to "walk before the Lord."

In the Bible, a course of action is often described as a way, while individual actions are seen as steps along in that way. Therefore, to keep on with good or bad actions is metaphorically like walking on a righteous or sinful path respectively. We see this in scripture where phrases like "walking in truth," "walking in craftiness," "walking in love," or "walking in darkness" depict the nature of a person as honest, deceitful, loving, or selfish, respectively.

Similarly, "walking before the Lord" means to live life constantly aware of God's presence.

In one sense, this applies to everyone; we all live under God's watchful eye, for "the Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man." There's nowhere, not even in the depths of darkness, where one can hide from God's sight, for He sees all, even into the hearts of men.

However, while the wicked may live in God's presence, they behave as if they're hidden from Him or as if God is far away. They essentially tell God to leave them alone, questioning His relevance or awareness, acting as if God does not see or care.

In contrast, a righteous person, like Moses, acknowledges and seeks to live under the gaze of God. They recognize Him as the ever-present observer. David, for instance, says he keeps the Lord always before him, meaning he lives his life with the constant awareness that he is in God's sight, striving to act in ways that reflect this knowledge. This is what it means to truly "walk before the Lord."

As God is the ultimate of perfection, excellence, and glory, acting in a way that reflects an awareness of His presence would naturally lead to a life of perfect piety and holiness. This understanding is why God instructed His followers in ancient times with what can be seen as a universal guideline for duty. He told Abraham, "Walk before me, and be blameless," and advised Solomon to "take heed to all your ways, to walk before me."

The scriptures often describe individuals who, despite their imperfections, were noted for their commitment to wisdom and righteousness, as having "walked with God" or "walked before Him." This phrase captures the essence of those like Enoch, Noah, Abraham, David, and other Old Testament figures who, though not sinless, aimed to live righteously. It serves as a broad definition for those who were genuinely devout and favored by God: "You keep covenant and show steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart."

This, then, is the general explanation: to walk before God implies such a persuasion and such a consideration of the Divine attributes and perfections as will engage us to behave as in the presence of God, and in a manner corresponding to those perfections, and agreeable to his will.

It might be useful to break down this concept into specific behaviors, illustrating that it encompasses: a life of humble reverence, of quiet submission, of cheerful dependance, of tender gratitude, of vigorous zeal, and of faithful obedience.

1. To walk before the Lord undoubtedly expresses a life of humble reverence.

If we accept the existence of God, we must also acknowledge Him as the ultimate and most revered entity, infinitely above all worship and praise, even from the most exalted of His creations. The Bible portrays even the most magnificent angels as standing in humble adoration before Him, which is undoubtedly an accurate depiction; for the brilliance of these celestial beings pales in comparison to His radiant light. If this is so for angels, what does that make humanity, which is far less significant?

To truly grasp a respectful awe for God, consider how Isaiah describes Him: His throne spans the entire expanse of the sky; He holds the oceans in the palm of His hand, measures the universe with His fingers, and weighs the mountains as if on a scale. We, with all our self-importance, are like grasshoppers in His presence—insignificant creatures we might overlook or crush without a thought.

The enlightened soul not only acknowledges this disparity but feels it deeply. It might reflect, "Yes, Lord, no matter my status among others, compared to You, my accomplishments are dim, my wisdom foolish, my strength feeble, and my purity tainted." This soul recognizes that this magnificent, awe-inspiring Being is here with me now. It prompts a profound realization: how should this affect me? How can I feel anything but minuscule in the face of the Eternal?

In this awareness, the devout heart despises its own shortcomings, embracing humility to the point of feeling like dust, aspiring to walk in humility with God—a clear aspect of living life in His sight.

2. To walk before God likewise expresses a life of humble submission to the workings of his providence.

Surely, considering the attributes discussed earlier, it's only logical to link these two ideas: "I am in God's presence" and "I will yield to Him." This all-perfect, all-glorious Being holds absolute dominion over everything in existence. He acts as He wishes among the celestial beings as well as earth's dwellers; His plans, always wise and righteous, are firm and immutable. His will prevails, fulfilling all He desires.

A soul that lives in awareness of God's presence can affirm, "Let Him execute His will without objection from me." Do not complain, my soul, about not having your own way; instead, find joy in the fact that infinite wisdom and boundless love are in charge of your life, selecting your path and your challenges.

Oh, Lord, here I am, shape my life as You see fit. Guide me wherever You choose, and I will follow with gladness; decree whatever You will for me, and by Your grace, I will respond, "Good is the word of the Lord."

This is the mindset of one who generally maintains such an attitude, even when the most cherished aspects of life are at stake or when God's decisions starkly oppose their own hopes and requests. When beloved pleasures are taken away, when the greatest burdens are placed upon them, when the harshest trials are endured, their aim and effort is to echo, with the spirit of their blessed Savior, "Shall I not drink from the cup my Father has given me?" They embrace the discipline from the hand that loves them, saying with utmost humility, "Let relief come at Your timing, in Your way."

3. In addition, to walk before the Lord expresses a life of cheerful dependence.

It's undeniable that the Creator is also the sustainer of all life. Everything on earth belongs to the Lord, and all creatures look to Him for their needs to be met at the right time. In this dependency, there's no difference between the grandest and the most humble of beings.

The devout individual recognizes and feels this reliance, openly admitting it even when surrounded by wealth and stability. Even when it might seem, from a human perspective, that they are self-sufficient, they consistently return to God's presence, asking for their daily sustenance. This acknowledgment of their own neediness brings them joy and contentment, delighting in having such a divine ally. They take special joy in every blessing, seeing it as a gift from a loving hand, which leads us most naturally to add,

4. That to walk before the Lord also express a life of praise and grateful acknowledgment.

It's absolutely true that all that is good and perfect comes from above, and a righteous person not only knows this but feels it deeply. They take note of how plentiful and varied their blessings are, enriched by countless tender and meaningful details, all stemming from divine attention and grace.

They don't chalk up their successes to mere chance, their own clever planning, or skillful handling of matters, nor to the fortunate influence of secondary factors. Instead, they joyfully recognize God's hand in everything, marveling that such a majestic and holy being would even consider someone as insignificant and flawed as themselves.

Moreover, an individual who lives in this awareness sees God as the source of all good, not just for themselves but for the entire cosmos. With a heart wide enough to embrace the joy and wellbeing of others as their own, they find delight in the collective happiness, attributing it all to God's benevolent nature.

Aware that this ever-present, generous Benefactor is always with them, it's only natural for their heart to brim with love and their words with praise. Prayer and worship are not seen as obligatory chores against their will but as the purest form of self-fulfillment. They find joy in the presence of the Almighty, thereby calling upon God habitually.

As fresh blessings come their way, new thanksgivings rise spontaneously, echoing the Psalmist's sentiment with genuine enthusiasm: "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth."

5. To walk before the Lord must imply a life of vigorous zeal for his interest.

Filled with the kind of gratitude we've been talking about, it's only natural to ask, "What can I give back to God for all the good He's done for me?" In seeking an answer, it's deeply satisfying for the thoughtful soul to remember that God, my generous Benefactor, has a mission and interests here on Earth that are always close to His heart. He's given me a role in this mission, watching to see how much I care about it. How could I possibly ignore this, when He's so meticulously looking after me and my small concerns, which pale in comparison to His? Should I just ignore what matters to Him as if it's none of my business? Absolutely not. Instead, I'll make it my life's work to support His wise and kind plans to the best of my understanding, and I'll consider it an honor, not a burden, should He ask me to give up even my life for this cause. Whether I'm living or dying, I want my life to belong to the Lord.

With this mindset, someone who truly cares begins to explore how they can best advance this significant cause, promoting God's glory through the well-being of others. They examine their own life's circumstances with care, looking for opportunities to serve. They find joy in their talents, education, social standing, wealth, or career, primarily seeing these as tools to be used in this divine service.

6. As the consequence of all the former, to walk before the Lord implies a life of faithful obedience.

This is why we frequently see references to living by God's laws and commands, which aligns with the concept mentioned in the text. It's quite logical to understand it this way. Imagine standing before a God whose attributes are boundless, who has the might to punish any violation of His laws, yet whose boundless kindness always leans towards rewarding those who follow His path. When I reflect on how patiently He has tolerated my offenses, and how consistently He has showered me with kindness, as if drawing me with human affection and bonds of love, how could I ever entertain the idea of continuing to wrong Him?

What temptation should ever convince me to consciously decide, through my words or deeds, to say, "For this, I'll ignore all my duties to God; for this, I'll break His law, challenging His justice and spurning His mercy." Is this, oh God, the kind of talk fitting for someone so indebted to You, even in their private thoughts? Wouldn't it be far better to be mute or mindless than to voice such sentiments or to think such thoughts?

Instead, let my words always reflect the opposite. I should say, "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening." What You prohibit, I'll strive to avoid; what You command, I'll strive to do. And I'll gladly proceed, supported by Your grace, adhering to these principles until my journey ends, when death will serve as the welcomed courier ushering me into a realm where my dedication, and thus my joy, will be whole and everlasting.

Having considered what it is to walk before the Lord, we will now move on,

II. To Explore what it means to "walk before the Lord,"; what are the commitments implied by the text,

And they are these two: we are in the presence of the Lord, and we exist in the world of the living. A wise and devout person will find compelling reasons in both truths to live a life that honors God. Let us delve a little deeper into how these truths should resonate with our consciences, both yours and mine..

1. We Are Before the Lord:

Reflect on this - we are always in the presence of God. Pondering who God is should profoundly influence our behavior. Remember how God emphasized this to Abraham, essentially saying, "I am God Almighty; live in my presence with integrity." Let's remind ourselves of the exceptional qualities that set our God, Jehovah, apart:

His eternal existence and independence,

His presence everywhere at once, knowing everything,

His boundless power and infinite wisdom,

His endless kindness, perfect purity, and unwavering faithfulness.

When we truly grasp these attributes, it becomes clear that respect, gratitude, and our own best interests all point us towards living a life that reflects His expectations, walking in the way that has been laid out for us.

i} In terms of respect, a sense of decency will surely require us to maintain such serious and affectionate regards to the Divine Being, in whose presence we are.

Every person has an innate drive, a kind of noble ambition, to be seen as worthy of respect and affection by those around them, particularly by those they admire. When we interact with individuals of high social standing, exceptional intellect, or those who, despite their wealth and influence, remain humble and kind, it's natural for us to want to present ourselves in the best possible light. We strive to earn their friendship or at least to avoid any action that might earn their disdain.

Imagine if we were regular visitors in the court of a king, who is as celebrated for his wisdom and character as for his royal title, or if we knew for certain that such a king would scrutinize our conduct. We would undoubtedly be keen to leave a positive impression, even without expecting any further benefits.

Similarly, when we engage with peers or near-peers who are noted for their intelligence, wisdom, and virtue—people whose reputations precede them—we feel both a restraint and an inspiration in their company. We aspire to absorb some of their qualities, to emulate their way of thinking, speaking, and acting within the limits of our own capabilities. If they show us special attention or offer guidance, we're thrilled by the interaction.

But consider this: how much greater it is to seek the approval and honor from the infinite and eternal Mind, the one true God, compared to whom even the wisest scholars, the mightiest rulers, or the most radiant angels are but dim reflections.

ii) A sense of gratitude will require us to walk before the Lord with this religious regard to his presence.

Our hearts are naturally inclined to feel gratitude; often, we can't help but respond to kindness, even when it's minimal. Sometimes, all it takes is for someone to show a desire to be helpful or kind, and we're moved, no matter how small their gesture. Even the humblest individual we interact with has the ability to win our affection through kindness. We even feel a twinge of this when we witness acts of kindness in animals, wishing we could repay them in ways their nature doesn't allow.

Imagine then how deeply we are affected by someone superior to us, who shows us repeated kindnesses, especially when we know we've wronged or ignored them, making us undeserving of their goodwill rather than their resentment. Do I need to name this most significant, most generous, and most wronged benefactor? Doesn't our conscience immediately whisper who this is?

Let past reflections remind us, let the events of even a single day or week remind us who we have most often offended, yet from whom we've received constant, invaluable benefits. Who gave us life? Who gifted us with reason and intellect? Who intricately designed our bodies for all the functions of life? Who brought us safely from our mother's womb, watched over us during our vulnerable infancy, and guided us into adulthood? Who has provided for us every single day, giving us not just necessities, but comforts and joys? Who selected our closest friends, filling their hearts with affection for us, lightening our burdens, and enhancing our joys? Who sustains our very existence this very moment, urging us to recognize and appreciate this kindness?

And most importantly, who has given us the hope of eternal happiness, sending His own Son to guide us there at the cost of His life? After considering all this, can there really be any question about whether we should keep this God in our thoughts or neglect Him; whether we should live as though we are in His presence or as if He's far away? After laying out these points, it seems almost redundant to say,

iii) That our interest also requires us thus to walk before the Lord, because all our present and future happiness entirely depends on his care and favour.

Imagine, for argument's sake, that God had endowed us with such immense power and ensured our happiness in a way that we no longer needed to depend on Him daily. Would we then have the right to ignore or forget Him? Could even our flawed hearts entertain such a low thought like, "I no longer need God, so I'll pay Him no attention?" But our reality couldn't be more different, nor can it ever change!

Our future, whether it's filled with success and contentment or descends into hardship and despair, lies in the hands of the Supreme Ruler of everything. Whether we live long lives or face an abrupt end, it's His call. And when we step into eternity, it's up to Him to decide whether we dwell in bliss or suffer in agony, whether we join the ranks of angels or the damned.

So, isn't it both in our best interest and our moral obligation to live with the awareness of His presence, to act as though He's watching? Furthermore, we might consider,

2. That the consideration of our being in the land of the living may provide a further argument for our walking as before him.

To drive this point home, let's reflect on how favorable our current circumstances are, how many times divine intervention has preserved us, and how close we always are to the edge of life itself. These are simple yet profound truths, and reflecting on them will wrap up this sermon.

1. Consider the advantages which attend our present situation while we continue in the land of the living, more particularly as it is a land of pleasure, of service, and of hope.

i) The world we live in is filled with joys. We often label it a wilderness, true enough when we measure it against the perfection of heaven, those realms of pure light and splendor. Yet, when set against the suffering our wrongdoings warrant, or what divine justice could rightfully have turned it into, it's nothing short of a paradise. Despite the fact that some of its original splendor has been marred by the consequences of our own actions, there still remain countless wonders and delights to be found here.

We don't need to journey to exotic places renowned for their beauty and abundance, or visit the estates of the wealthy where human ingenuity has transformed nature into artful landscapes. While such places with their manicured lawns, panoramic views, gardens, and groves do offer unique delights, we don't need them to support our point. Simply stepping out into the countryside near our own homes, especially in this vibrant season, allows us to see nature in its most basic state, altered only enough to meet human needs. This alone can evoke immense pleasure and fill our hearts with gratitude and happiness.

The sun, with its timeless and vibrant light, has for generations painted every scene in dynamic hues, bestowing beauty upon all earthly things; the gentle glow of the moon, and the countless stars in their orderly dance across the sky, create such a stunning display that we actually welcome the night for unveiling this celestial spectacle. Where does one even begin? The vast blue sky, the fresh air, green fields, aromatic blossoms, the sheltering trees, the natural symphony of birdsong from the branches, the vitality and playfulness of various creatures with their young. Who wouldn't find joy in these sights, unless their heart is numb from oppressive emotions or mistrust?

Moreover, these joys are not exclusive to royalty or the elite but are the everyday wonders for workers in the fields and shepherds. This commonality makes them all the more precious to anyone with a compassionate spirit, as they are joys shared widely among us.

Additionally, when an insightful and contemplative mind views the world as an interconnected system, recognizing how every component of this planet and its inhabitants are organized in a harmonious hierarchy, and how provisions for one lead to the well-being of another, ultimately culminating in human happiness—for whom this grand construct was built and furnished—we start to see a myriad of beauties that come from these relationships, which are separate from the inherent allure of individual elements alone.

It's also worth remembering that we're not here in solitude as Adam was in Eden; instead, we're surrounded by fellow humans. Many are sources of joy, dear companions, and cherished friends, with whom life's burdens become lighter, and its joys more profound. Moreover, God Himself chooses to dwell among us, occasionally illuminating our lives with His divine presence, making our days brighter. After all this, can we possibly overlook our greatest benefactor in such circumstances?

Imagine if a generous friend invited me to spend just a summer, or even a few weeks, in an enchanting retreat, providing me with delightful company and experiences. Wouldn't I feel compelled to acknowledge this kindness and respond with gratitude and respect? But consider what God does for us, placing us for our entire lives in a world filled with endless wonders and beauty. Even when a seasonal veil of winter temporarily hides some of this splendor, it's merely to ensure these wonders return with renewed beauty, vibrancy, and life.

ii) But further consider, the land of the living is a land of hope.

It would be truly depressing if we saw our journey as simply a path leading to our doom; then, all the beauty around us would only intensify the darkness of an inescapable fate, making us painfully aware of the wrath awaiting us. However, thanks be to God, despite our sins, we are still within reach of the Gospel's message, the promise of mercy, and hopefully for many of us, we can see the proximity of an everlasting, glorious future. We might not only endure but also embrace and appreciate passing through trials, be they as harsh as thorny deserts or fiery seas, with patience, joy, and gratitude.

iii) And once more this land of the living is a land of service as well as of enjoyment and hope.

The dead can't praise God, nor can those who descend into silence; it's the living who can and should give praise. Each of us has a role to play, whether in the public eye or in private, where we can contribute to both the glory of God and the betterment of humanity. What a noble purpose! It makes our lives more meaningful, allowing our intellectual abilities to shine and function at their best. Without this purpose, our very gifts could become burdens, showing us only that our existence is pointless, and reducing Earth, with all its splendor, to nothing more than a shiny trinket or an illusionary bubble.

However, when viewed as a delightful home where our Heavenly Father has placed us to serve Him now, with the hope of eternal life and dominion with Him, every blessing we receive becomes infinitely more valuable. This understanding forms a compelling reason to live righteously in the world of the living, an idea that's deeply reinforced when we consider,

2. By how many remarkable interpositions of divine care and goodness have delivered us from danger and ruin?

Let us reflect with gratitude on past dangers and hardships. Why have we survived calamities that have claimed others? Why do we walk past the graves of people who seemed younger and stronger than ourselves? Why have we already lived through twenty, thirty, maybe even fifty or sixty years when illnesses could strike at any moment, and accidents threaten us at every turn? Isn't there a daily reason for us to establish our own "stone of remembrance and thankfulness," to say, "Up to this point, the Lord has helped us," recognizing divine intervention and kindness in our repeated, miraculous escapes, even when we thought our time was up?

What were our intentions during those desperate moments? What commitments did we make when we witnessed what felt like the hand of God reaching out to save us? Didn't we, like Hezekiah, resolve to live our lives with humility and care, striving to avoid any offense and to seize every chance to do what is pleasing and useful in His sight? Let's not forget the promises we've made to God; let our actions reflect those commitments. Above all,

3. Let us walk before the Lord in the land of the living, since we are just on the edge of the land of the dead.

No matter how many times God has saved us in the past, He has only extended a life that is destined to end. We might recover from one illness or dodge one disaster, only to face another, and our eyes, currently enjoying the beauty of this world, will eventually close in the finality of death. In death, we will no longer see people as we do on Earth, but our souls will remain alert and vibrant. And what a journey they will embark upon! What vast, uncharted territories will open up before them in the expanse of the afterlife! The scenes we'll encounter there will be profoundly different—ranging from the splendor of Paradise to the dread of Hell.

And do I need to tell you who is meant for these vastly different places? Let your conscience decide who fits where. Who deserves to live with God if not those who have lived according to His ways on Earth? And who would God banish to eternal separation if not those who have rejected Him, saying, "Depart from us! We do not desire the knowledge of your ways?" (Job 21:14)

Remember, while we are hearing this sermon, time is ticking away for each of us. The stark contrast between life and death is immense, yet the soul can cross that divide in a mere moment. Our own spirit, regardless of how little we think about it, could be in that irreversible state before tomorrow's sunrise, which might just reveal our lifeless bodies.

Oh, may it be that when our time is up, as decided by the Almighty, our passing is as joyous as it is significant! Let us be under the protection of the gospel's grace, covered by the blood and righteousness of the Savior! Let our deeds be complete in God's eyes, and our spirits truly living in His presence. Then, we will experience a blissful transition to a closer and more radiant communion with Him; a happiness so profound and elevated that it will confirm that only that place truly deserves to be called the "land of the living."

There, we will serve Him with unending energy, and bask in His presence with victories and glories beyond our current comprehension.