Finding God in Nature  Read Psalm 19:1-6

It has been many years since I first read Oswald Chambers’ great devotional work, My Utmost for His Highest.  In it, I came across a thought that had never occurred to me before. He said, “When you have thoughts and ideas that are worthy of credit to God, learn to compare and associate them with all that happens in nature” (Feb 11).  This was a revelation, and prompted me to want to test it out and see if it is actually true.   It began for me a journey into discovery of God in His great creation.  I learned that nature is one of the primary ways I connect with God and through nature He speaks to me often and profoundly.

It’s quite simple, really, and it’s something you may already do; seeing a sunrise and being reminded that God’s mercies are new every morning (Lam 3:22&23) or perhaps looking up at a hill and thinking of Psalm 121 “I lift my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? It comes from the Lord”.  Jesus frequently used nature to describe His truths, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matt 6:26). I found that by being open to what God may be saying, and actively listening and watching, nature came alive for me with messages from Him.

Periodically I have had someone ask me how I worship God in nature.  I was mulling this question over and wondering how best to answer during one of my morning hikes this week.  How can one possibly describe the way God speaks?  Seeking, listening, waiting, watching… these are all key elements.  Perhaps this is silly notion of mine and I should let it go.  I realized I was brooding and I stood still for a moment, taking in the pre-dawn forest on this cold winter morning.

I was walking in fresh snow again which I love.  Another few inches fell overnight, covering over the footprints of those who use the main trails.  Some of the cross trails have not been traversed at all this winter; those are my favorite! Since I know the route and I’m familiar with the forest, I plow into the snow and cut the trail afresh.  In a few cases, there are trees that have fallen to block the way.  Like yesterday – I have walked this way many times and looked longingly at a trail I know is beautiful.  There’s a hurdle though, and not a small one.  A tree has fallen and lodged about 4 feet off the ground.  It’s too high for me to step over and too low to crawl under.  I shook my head and moved on.

Not today though.  Today I decided to investigate more closely.  Perhaps there is a way… if I walk up the embankment to the side, can I lift my foot high enough to step over?  There’s a broken branch to hold on to.  Good thing I have my snow pants on – I push my leg across and now I’m straddling the thick trunk.  I slide myself over and drop my foot down into the deep snow on the other side.  What an ordeal!  But it was worth it – to journey into this narrow valley alone, the first person this winter except for deer and other wildlife – this is a beautiful gift.

I realized that I was finding an answer to my question on this trek of discovery.  THIS was how I was to help others find God in the great out-of-doors.  I know the way, and I’m re-cutting a well-used trail.  Helping seekers navigate, showing them the signs, leading them and creating an environment to receive from the Lord…this is what I need to do.  Just like this path.

But there will be hurdles for sure.  What hurdles keep me from the gift God has for me in Nature?  Time, preoccupation, distraction, fear, worry?  I know He wants to meet with me in nature.  Today I will push past these hurdles and open my heart to Him.  I will look and listen.  What might the hurdles be for you?

I look around, but nothing special comes to me.  I realized that when God speaks through my surroundings, it’s not because I search for Him and try to “make it happen”.  I’ve gone down that road before and thankfully God turned me right around.  Being attentive to God isn’t like, “oh there’s a sunbeam so God must be showing me the way”.  When God speaks to me, I am usually reflecting on Scripture I read that morning, or asking God about some specific guidance I need from Him.  My heart must be open to Him, in a posture of waiting.  I may hear Him whisper, “Listen”; I stop walking and pay attention to what my ears hear.  Or He’ll say, “Look, Ann.  What do you see?”.  As I begin to answer, usually He pulls the pieces together and I see exactly where He speaks to those thoughts that have been on my mind.   I could give you many examples, but I think I shouldn’t…this is between you and God, something you have to experience for yourself.

I invite you to try it.  Begin by asking the Lord to reveal Himself to you in nature.  Let all of your preoccupations fall away as you concentrate your attention on Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to sanctify your mind and imagination, then let your own thoughts take a rest.  Go for a walk, or gaze at a nature scene.  Ask the Lord what He wants to say to you, and wait for His answer.  May God bless your time with Him.

^“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  Jeremiah 29:12&13