Hello my friends!
I pray you are well and blessed on this first day of spring. I am thoroughly enjoying the subtle scenic changes that are gradually unfolding as the Master Creator works behind the scenes transitioning the earth from one season to another. As I anticipate the commencement of spring, I am reminded as with every new season, that God makes all things new, does all things well, and brings all things to completion. What we see depicted in nature is a reflection of God Himself Who created all things. Moreover, the created world is a representation of God’s character; revealing beauty, order, purpose, design, limitless creativity, and as with all things God does, incredible love!
“…God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see….
Colossians 1:16 (NLT)
“A picture is worth a thousand words” is an age-old adage simply implying that oftentimes what we see is much more effective in conveying messages and communicating meaning than what we hear. In the same manner, the Bible is also replete with visual imagery and word pictures equipping the reader to more fully comprehend scripture. One of the many ways God speaks to us is by drawing our attention to things we can see in the physical world, enabling us to visualize what we cannot see in the spiritual realm. The created world is truly God’s classroom where He utilizes earthly realities to teach us Kingdom principles.
I am daily reminded of God’s Word as I walk each day and commune with Him through nature. The scenes I see displayed in the physical world serve as individual snapshots for me, embodying the scriptures and connecting me to God’s Word. I constantly marvel at how creatively God continually speaks, but if unaware, it is possible to miss out altogether on His messages. Truly seeing God’s Word manifested through the images displayed in creation requires intentionality, sensitivity and awareness. Developing this receptivity is a process that requires patience and time, but embracing this practice is a worthy investment that brings great rewards.
Below I’ve compiled a brief list of a few of my favorite scenes in the natural world that cause me to visualize God’s Word. I share this list with you in the hopes that it will serve as an awakening to you as well, opening your eyes to behold the countless images in the natural world that magnify scripture.
Birds
Don’t Worry!
Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
Matthew 6:26&27 (NLT)
Trees
Stay connected to God…
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.
John 15 :5 (NLT)
Sun
Praise God continually…
From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same Jehovah’s name is to be praised.
Psalm 113:3 (ASV)
Rainbows
God keeps His promises…
I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth.
Genesis 9:13 (NLT)
Rain
God’s Word is powerful…
Just as rain and snow descend from the skies and don’t go back until they’ve watered the earth, doing their work of making things grow and blossom …So will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed. They’ll do the work I sent them to do….
Isaiah 55:10&11 (The Message)
Mountains
God’s love is forever…
“For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then My faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the Lord, Who has mercy on you.
Isaiah 54:10 (NLT)
Flowers
God’s Word endures…
“…The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.”
Isaiah 40:8 (NLT)
Once again these are just a few of the countless vivid and incredible pictures in the created world that God provides to help us remember and reflect upon His Word. Depending upon your geographic location, I am confident that you also have many other pictures to share; possibly deserts, oceans, valleys, and plains. There are scriptural references for each of these subjects as well! Perhaps start with my list and continue adding to it, or maybe even start an entirely new list of your own. Whatever you choose, have fun with it and enjoy seeing God’s Word on display in your neck of the woods!
As Spring arrives, God’s divine artistry is evidenced as He reveals His seasonal masterpiece of transforming the earth from brown and barren to bursting with new life and color. As I eagerly wait with anticipation to see the grand debut of this new season, I am reminded and encouraged as I remember that God indeed, “makes all things beautiful in His time”. The visual changes we see taking place in the natural world further serve as a reminder of the transforming work God is simultaneously doing in our hearts, minds, and spirits. By His creative power and incredible love, He is continuously molding and conforming us into image bearers of His grace. How great is our God!
Happy Spring!
Carol
