Let Nature Preach The Gospel
Photo by Green_grey Darya from Pexels
Prior to 2020, I would not have considered myself the outdoorsy type. On the contrary, I was an indoor girl through and through; church, restaurants, malls, theaters… I liked to be around people and with a roof over my head. It wasn’t until the pandemic hit and everything closed that I was thrust, frantic and flailing, into the waiting arms of the natural world.
I live in Ontario, Canada and we have some of the most beautiful lakes, forests, and rocks that you could ever hope to enjoy. The deep emerald green leaves of the maple trees melt into vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues in autumn. The enormous, shimmering rocks of the Canadian shield jut out at random angles from the most unlikely places. The deep, cold, mysterious lakes erupt forth with all manner of fresh-water aquatic life across the entire province. Yes, this is a land of natural riches, and it was lost on me until recently.
I embarked on many long nature hikes during the pandemic, especially on Sunday mornings when I was unable to physically be with God’s people at church. I found solace in being among His other created things. The forest became the building that housed my body and soul for worship during the frequent times of confusion, fear, isolation, and impatience.
The steeple of this church was built of leaves and branches, home to wildlife scurrying about, and in their own ways reflecting the brilliance of the God who made them. The forest became the place I went when I had nowhere else to go, when the weight of the four walls of my home became too much to bear.
Anyone who has witnessed a sunrise and felt the splendor of its glorious rays deep in their bones understands intrinsically that humans have a spiritual connection to nature. Nature demonstrated to us the goodness of God in visual ways. In having this spiritual connection our physical bodies reap benefits as well.
When we are among trees, the ocean, the mountains, or any natural environment we become less stressed, less anxious, and more present. Perhaps this is the case due to a deep primal instinct taking over, an ancient affinity for wide open spaces. Or maybe it’s because all nature is declaring the glory of our Creator unrelentingly and so our bodies organically relax into the rhythm of praise proclaimed by the natural world. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s because we were first created as garden-dwellers, kings and queens over plants and animals alike. Whatever the case, God has orchestrated it so that our bodies respond positively to being outside.
Life in Canada is almost back to its pre-pandemic state, but my own life has permanently changed for the better. With my newfound appreciation for nature, my husband and I packed up our four kids and moved from the city to a small homestead nestled cozily in the woods. This was a drastic step and it certainly won’t appeal to everyone. But this is our story, and we are thankful.
Regardless of where you live, I encourage you to make it a priority to interact regularly with nature. Even the most densely populated cities have green spaces where you can go and be among trees and fresh air. While you are there, get down on the ground and observe the ants working diligently. Learn from them. Look to the sky and observe the contentment of the birds. God provides for them, how much more will he provide for you? Look to the soil and stand in wonder at the delicate ecosystem that resides silently beneath our feet.
There is so much that we humans have to gain, both physically and spiritually, from the lessons of the natural world. And through it all we see the mighty hand of a benevolent Father working all things for His glory and our good.
So, in your own way, take dominion over your natural birthright and let the symphony of nature preach the gospel to you in its chaotic, lovely song.
