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My husband loved the outdoors. Often, during deer season, I would find a deer hanging on the tree outside our house after he returned from a hunt. Scouts and camping were a large part of his life. Nature drew him to the Lord. Recently, I shared time with Bill’s brothers on a hog hunt. (YES, a Hog Hunt). We prepared the feeders and actually practiced hitting some targets. Sitting quietly observing and listening to the sights and sounds surrounding me, I began reflecting on God. I know that God paints a daily picture for our enjoyment when we take the time to focus on His creation. That visual of nature around us provides evidence of God’s love. It creates a longing to know the Creator and to appreciate His plans for us.

God spoke, “Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflect our nature so they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, and, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth.”
Genesis 1:26-28 (ESV)

The Lord created the earth because He loves us. He wants us to grow, learn, and know Him. All around us, we see the handiwork of the Lord. A sunset, a budding leaf, and even a shooting star can go straight to our hearts. As a widow, there are times my heart can ache for the presence of Bill to share a summer breeze or see a rainbow following a storm. The Lord reminds me through scripture that God is present, and that He is my help.

The book of Psalms provides many reminders of God’s desire to show me His power and presence through the creation surrounding me.

I lift my eyes to the mountains where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2 (ESV)

Nature reveals God’s beauty, His glory, and His power. Often, we recognize His creativity and most of all we see His loving care. God wired us to communicate nonverbally. Be still and know that I am God. Yet, God is not silent. He communicates to us through creation and reveals Himself to us through His word.

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities His eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
Romans 1:20 (ESV)

Throughout the Bible, we read a testimony of the Lord communicating to His children through events occurring in the sky, crossing the Red Sea, or even a burning bush. We are reassured in scripture, that our Father in heaven always takes care of the sparrows, let us imagine how much more He cares for us. Jesus makes continual use of nature in many parables found in the New Testament. These examples welcome us to find new life in Him as we seek the Kingdom of God. When we apply God’s word and memorize it, we can understand better how to take steps forward in our grief and how to lean into the Lord during that process.

As this fall season transfers from heat to cooler breezes and from green leaves to fall colors consider these three steps as you spend time with the Lord.

• Take some time to focus on the power of the Lord in your life.
• Seek His presence in the nature you see surrounding you and find a verse to cling to.
• Ask for wisdom to continue the journey the Lord has provided as you pray for His direction and will.

That hog hunt recently provided much more than time for Bill’s brothers and my family. It provided much-needed time to reflect on who God is, who He wants me to be, and how to move forward tomorrow. It provided a chance to remember that I am a new creation and am transformed into a believer with a nature that embraces the Lord.

Lord,

As we walk the path you have placed before us, provide eyes to see You as we dwell on the nature you have created. Let us cling to Your word and focus on Your promises and protection as we follow You. Give us the ability to feel your presence and remember the ways you have provided for our needs each day. Thank you for sending Jesus to teach us. Give us grateful hearts and a better understanding of Your nature as we transform into women who bring glory to You. Amen.