3 Things Nature Can Teach Us

Nature is such a beautiful thing that we all get to enjoy everyday. If you are like me, you have probably been enthralled by a sunset, smiled into pouring rain, cuddled a puppy, or prefer long walks through a park to a movie. And what we don’t always realize is that the outdoors offers us valuable lessons that pertain to life. Nature can teach and show us many things.

As a Christian, nature offers us many pointers on how to live life. We simply need to be still and become aware; so that our journey with Christ can grow. Nature can teach us.

Jesus taught many parables – life lessons – by using nature to tell His story or point. And it helped people in a great way. Let’s delve into the many ways nature can teach us as Christians.

Nature Teaches Us: Joy

I cannot think of a better example than a baby goat jumping, running and frolicking over a field of grass. We recently, watched as two baby goats came into the world where I live and there is nothing like watching them play and explore the world. It kind of hits you like a ton of bricks when you watch them. Their joy and playfulness lights you up as you laugh at their antics.

We have been given joy from the Lord as Christians and I believe as a whole, it is time for us to walk in that joy. Proverbs 17:22 says this, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” (HCSB) 

Why would we not want to embrace joy? We should be some of the happiest people on the planet as followers of Christ.

Nature Teaches Us: To Wait

Waiting…a word no one really likes. A word that we cringe at and our hearts get heavy, while the urge to roll our eyes gets strong. I know, believe me. I wouldn’t blame you for wanting to skip this lesson. But there is beauty in waiting, beauty in having a patient but expectant soul. Nature can teach us many things and this – I feel – is one very important one.

So, think about the way a flower grows for a moment. But even then, think back to when the soil is prepared and then the seed is dropped in the ground. Hands gently fold dirt over and smooth the top. We all know what comes next. Waiting.

Then watering.

More waiting.

And…more waiting.

But then that first shoot of green appears, bursting from the darkness below into the airy light. We marvel at it from our gardens and get giddy over seeing life happen. But even then, more waiting follows those first shoots of green. Until, eventually after days and weeks, we see the full plant or flower emerge.

Jesus doesn’t ask us to have everything in neat rows for Him to answer or for our life to go well. He desires our trust, love, and patience. We have to learn to wait. We have to be willing to let Him cultivate and water us till whatever we seek or think we need is ready. Until we are ready.

A good gardener would never pluck a plant until it was fully ready. That would simply lead to harm. But nor does a good gardener leave a plant for too long so that bugs and rot can harm the pant. God’s timing is perfect. So, we wait. Just as nature teaches us.

Nature Teaches Us: To Praise

I have spoken on how stars praise God before, but let’s look even deeper into nature today. You may recall a verse that says, “The rocks shall cry out…” or many others that say some part of creation praises. Let’s dive into some below:

Job 12:7-10 “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” (NIV)

Our lives should give daily testimony to Christ’s work, just as creation gives glory to God. He formed it all and it shows us His mastery in patterns of seasons, wings on birds, and intricate forms. We should reflect the work of God like no other.

Psalm 96: 11-12 “Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.” (NIV)

Rejoice! Be glad! Sing! Amen, and amen. That is how we are to be for the Lord. Not only let your life be a testament, but let your voice and attitude reflect Him and His praise.

Beauty is Found and Taught

Nature can teach us so many things; even more than praise, joy, and waiting. We should live life and look as to what God could be trying to show us through every part of it. Thank You, Jesus for the glorious gifts and lessons you give us through nature…through life.