Four Pillars of Walking with God – Paul Washer
The Four Pillars of the Christian Journey: Discovering True Joy in Walking with God
As followers of Christ, we often hear encouraging words: “Just trust God,” “Rest in Christ,” “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” But too often, these great biblical truths become little more than clichés—phrases we repeat without truly understanding or experiencing the power behind them. Why do so many believers—redeemed, saved, and dearly loved—walk around discouraged, downcast, and feeling burdened? The Christian life was not meant to be one of perpetual gloom or anxiety, but one overflowing with joy, rooted in the sure foundation of God’s love and faithfulness. Today, let’s uncover four foundational pillars that can lift you from discouragement and anchor your faith in genuine joy, leading you into rich obedience and a vibrant walk with God.
Why Do So Many Christians Miss Out on Lasting Joy?
If you look around most congregations, it’s clear that discouragement is common. Even among those who display the unmistakable fruit of salvation, it’s easy to spot sadness or heaviness. Many understand intellectually that God is good, that His promises are trustworthy, but practically, these truths seem to lack power. Why? Because often, we hear or say things like “trust in God” or “rejoice in the gospel” without pausing to consider what those things actually mean or how to live them out practically.
When spiritual truths become familiar platitudes, they lose their vitality. To restore their power, we must move from vague notions to practical understanding. That’s where the Four Pillars come in—the essential supports for a joyful, steadfast Christian walk.
Pillar One: Knowledge of the Truth
The first and essential pillar is knowledge. Not just information or head knowledge, but knowing the truth as revealed in Scripture—who God is, what He has decreed, what He’s done, and what He will do. The primary question every time you read the Bible should be: What does this passage reveal about God? How does God’s character, His decrees, His actions, and His promises apply to me as His child?
Jeremiah 9:23-24 declares: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might…but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me.” All of Scripture points us to God’s character, and this knowledge is not intended to induce fear, but to produce awe and joy when viewed through the lens of the gospel.
Far too often, Christians study God’s holiness or righteousness and are left cringing in fear—looking at their sins in the harsh light of God’s perfection. But when you understand the gospel, God’s holiness becomes a source of comfort. His righteousness is not against you; it’s for you, because you belong to Him through Christ. Every aspect of God’s character that once might have inspired terror now bursts forth as a reason for joy.
What God Has Decreed and Done for You
Don’t stop at who God is—explore what He has decreed since before time began. God’s plans aren’t random or haphazard; every detail is meticulously ordained for His glory and your ultimate good. Romans 8 assures us that the very creation itself is destined for glorious renewal, tied to the future blessing of God’s redeemed children. God’s foreknowledge means He wasn’t surprised by your failures—He set His love on you intentionally, with full knowledge.
Consider also what God has already accomplished. Look at His mighty acts in history, in the cross of Christ, and in your own life. Romans 8:32 states, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” God is not holding back from you; there is no stinginess in His love or grace.
Ultimately, your peace with God—your justification and adoption as His child—is not partial or temporary. The work is finished. You are as righteous in God’s eyes today as you will ever be, even in heaven. The security of your status before God never fluctuates with your performance, but rests forever on the finished work of Christ.
The Danger of a Low View of God’s Love
We often speak of having a low view of God’s holiness or justice, but have you considered whether you’ve underestimated His love? If you live under constant condemnation, if your joy rises and falls with your spiritual performance, it’s likely not because you have too high a view of yourself—but because your view of God’s love is far too low. The Bible describes a love that is lavish, steadfast, and unconditional. “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” (1 John 3:1)
God’s love is so overwhelming, so inconceivable, that at times our natural response is to tell him, “That’s too much!” But God reminds us, as He did Israel in Deuteronomy, “I love you because I love you.” His love started with Him and ends with Him. It is not based on your worthiness or your ability to love Him perfectly. As the hymn says, “I am a great sinner, and Christ is a great Savior.”
Pillar Two: Faith—Believing What God Has Revealed
Once you’ve learned these truths, the next pillar is faith: actually believing what God says. Knowledge alone is not enough; faith means holding God’s promises as more real and more trustworthy than your own perceptions or feelings. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). How can you be sure of something you’ve never seen? Because God has said it, and He cannot lie.
Spending time in God’s Word is critical. Not just for gaining principles, but for bathing your mind in