Guest Blogger, Pasquale Mingarelli
Let’s face it. These days life comes at us fast and from many different directions. We find it hard to find peace. All the busyness in life makes connecting with God difficult. We encounter Him best in silence and stillness, but sadly our modern media-filled world lacks silence. How do we get away from all the noise and distractions?
As an outdoor lover, the best place I find to escape the craziness of life is outside in nature. In the goodness of God’s creation, I find many places for my soul to rest and dwell on the wonders of God. In nature, our hearts find it easier to hear his voice.
Jesus sets the example for us. Luke 5:14 says, “But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.”
A keyword used by Luke here is “often.” Why did Jesus go to the wilderness often? Perhaps He knew the importance of getting alone with our Heavenly Father in the quiet of creation? Matthew 14:23, Mark 1:35, Luke 6:12 and other passages also tell of Jesus retreating to the wilderness.
I know from experience that meeting God on the shore of a mountain lake or in the quiet of hidden woods is an awesome experience. And I prefer to meet God in such places. Unfortunately, most of us, including myself, don’t often have access to such an experience. But meeting God in nature can happen much closer to home.
Even if we don’t have a lot of time, we will benefit from a few minutes to a few hours outside. One thing I like to do is walk my dog in a local park or the small woods beside the park. I find it easy to pray as I walk, look and wonder. You can read about one such walk here.
But we don’t need a dog. Just going for a walk in a quiet place helps us connect with God.
If you feel more adventurous, a hike on the trail in a local nature area serves as a great way to meet with God. Near my home in Bellevue, Nebraska resides Fontenelle Forest, a nature preserve along the Missouri River. I love to walk with the Lord as I hike up and down the hilly slopes. I find bringing along a Bible greatly enhances my time in the woods.
Church retreats and Christian camps also work as great places to meet with God. Just make sure you don’t get too caught up in the scheduled events and activities.
Some other ideas to try:
- Journaling while watching birds at a birdfeeder
- A morning garden walk
- A walk during a snowfall (one of my favorites)
- Going for a bike ride
- Creating a quiet space in your backyard under a shade tree
- A weekend camping trip
- And maybe even try a road trip to one or more of the national parks this summer
After just a short time with God in nature, you’ll feel refreshed. Time with God outside also helps us better know His power, wisdom and majesty. It helps clear our mind, lowers our blood pressure, relieves depression, and helps us better connect with God and others.
So, enjoy the outside. Even if it’s winter where you live, getting in nature still offers these benefits.
“Pat is an expert on how to see God in nature. To learn more about connecting with God through nature, subscribe to his VBV of the D.”
Pasquale “Pat” Mingarelli is a longtime professional photographer and photography instructor. He speaks on creation and is an expert on how to see God in nature. Pat host The Visual Bible Verse of the Day website where you can download his free PDF 15 Ways to experience God in the Outdoors.