| When the latest issue of an online publication arrived, the headline in the email caught my attention, “Finding God in Nature.” One of my favorite things is hiking in the woods and mountains. I was intrigued. I opened the email, looked at the titles of the articles, and closed it. Why didn’t I read? I skipped the reading because I was reminded of two times God met me through nature. I do not want to forget them. The first experience was a simple act of looking up and noticing God’s magnificent clouds against His beautiful blue sky. On a walk with my dog, I stopped and asked Him how to get myself back. He gave me a one word answer. It left me baffled, but curious. I needed more information. The first step I took was to stop using my phone on my daily walks. Instead, I made a point of observing the day, the beauty of God’s creation around and above me. This quieted my mind and left me room to contemplate the word He had given me, rhythm. This led to searching His Word for answers. Ecclesiastes 3:2-8 speak to us about the rhythm of time. They show us twenty-eight seasons of life. Read them out loud, without stopping. It feels rhythmic. By the way, rhythmic “comes from the Greek word rhythmos and implies a sense of measured flow or harmony, such as the rhythmic pounding of ocean waves, a slow heartbeat, or a catchy musical tempo.” (merriam-webster.com, dictionary.com, etymonline.com). A few verses that speak of His rhythm of grace are Psalms 23:2; Jeremiah 29:11; Philippians 4:6-7; Romans 8:28; Isaiah 43:2; Ephesians 2:10 There are many other verses about the grace of God. I thank Him often for His new grace every morning, and it is by that grace we are saved. When you need rest, He has a rhythm for that. Matthew 11:28; Psalms 23:2, 62:5; 116:7; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 30:15; Hebrews 4:9-10; 1Peter 5:7. Take on His yoke, let Him lead you beside still waters, and lie down in green pastures. Once your soul has calmed, cast ALL cares on Him, for He is your rest and strength. When you need rhythm of renewal, Psalms 23:2; Romans 12:2; 2Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:10; Titus 3:5; Revelation 21:5. He wants us to keep going back to the green pastures and still waters. In that safe and comforting place, we will be transformed, and our minds will be renewed. In June of 2020, three years after embarking on my rhythm journey, I was grumpy, complaining and looking down again. I took a friend and my two year old granddaughter to the park. Once again, I looked up and saw the magnificent white clouds. They were so massive and thick they were hiding the blue sky, except for a hole in one in the shape of a heart. It was as if He had reached down and hugged me with the reassurance of His love. God gave me exactly what I needed that day. I am so grateful I took a picture of that unspoken message. Did you notice there is a verse repeated in all three categories above, grace, rest, and renewal? He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. Psalms 23:2 Our Shepherd knows exactly what we need. He waits for us to ask, then He just provides it, or has us search for answers, which are always in the Word. What do you need from God today? “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Shalom Janice Simpson |
Unexpected Answers
