How do you show that you love someone? Well, you share life with them, walking together for part of your journey here on earth. And perhaps you also hold them: hugging them (if it's a child, spouse or friend) or petting and brushing them (if it's an animal.)
Walking and holding: two different ways of expressing love. The thought came to me this morning when I was reading in Deuteronomy chapter 11, where Moses reminds the people (in verse 22): Show love to the Lord your God by walking in His ways and holding tightly to Him.
Walking and holding. One is about obedience and the other is about intimacy. Walking in His ways is about doing the things God asks of us. Holding tightly to Him is about nurturing a close connection to Him and continually developing our intimate friendship with the Lord.
Both are needed. You can share life and live in the same house with your spouse, your children or your pet.... but if there's never a hug, a kiss or another expression of affection and friendship, those relationships will not flourish.
It's the same with the Lord. Obedience is important and is a way of expressing our love and trust towards Him. But holding tightly to Him is about something even more personal and intimate: it's about knowing Him as a Father and a Friend and expressing our commitment to a close and loving relationship with Him.
