Get Outdoors

“God writes the Gospel, not in the Bible alone, but on the trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars.” — Author Unknown

The great outdoors provides more thank just beautiful scenery and a wealth of raw materials. Its true riches have been known for centuries. When we get outdoors, we can draw on these riches to guide us through whatever comes our way, just as God intends.

“Surely there is something in the unruffled calm of nature that overawes our little anxieties and doubts; the sight of the deep-blue sky and the clustering stars above seems to impart a quiet to the mind.” — Jonathan Edwards

During the course of my career, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know and learn from many wonderful people from all walks of life and backgrounds. A meeting I had with someone who was going to do a marketing project with my company opened my eyes to a fact I had never before come across. Yet having grown up on a farm, it had always been right before my eyes.

Tina Vindum is an outdoor fitness expert and author of Tina Vindum’s Outdoor Fitness. She teaches exercise trainers, as well as her clients, to take their fitness regimens outdoors for improved results, both physically and mentally. When I met Tina for the first time, she shared what is referred to as the “biophilia effect.” Scientists have discovered that, as human beings, we not only crave but have an innate need for the great outdoors. God’s creation has a healing effect on us and serves as a natural stress reliever. It’s no accident, then, that we fill our homes with plants and flowers or like to fall asleep listening to the sounds of a trickling brook or falling rain (whether real or generated by a sound machine).

Tina shared with me the results of a scientific study that showed that people in hospitals who had windows in their rooms often healed faster than those who didn’t. In another study, scientists studied drivers with road rage and discovered that the smell of freshly cut grass decreased the blood pressure of stress-filled subjects.

“The heavens declare the Glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.”

— King David, Psalm 19:1

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”

— Albert Einstein

In our challenging and often hectic world, nature provides us with an opportunity for healing and calming—take your cares outdoors, breathe deeply of the fresh air, walk among tall trees, and lift your eyes upward.

You will quickly realize that no matter what obstacles you are facing, you and your worries are only a small part of the greater universe designed by our Creator.

So get yourself outside and on the path to rejuvenation in body and spirit. And while you’re out there, focus on the present. Listen for the birds singing. No matter what the weather, they are always rejoicing!

“Look at that beautiful butterfly, and learn from it to trust in God.” — Jeremy Taylor

Some Questions to Ask Yourself

• How much time each day do you spend enjoying the outdoors?
• Read Psalm 19:1-14. While you are outside, are you made aware of God’s glory in His creation
• Do you have rooms with a view? Are you bringing nature inside your home or office (live plants, fountains, etc.) to create a serene environment?

Learn more about Stress Less and Enjoy Each Day by David Zerfoss

Share with others: Leave a comment and let us know how you enjoy spending time outside and in nature to draw closer to God. Have you ever retreated to the woods, or a lake, or perhaps the beach for prayer and worship? Where is your favorite spot outdoors for quiet time with God?