4 Minute Read
Prepare Your Heart
To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.
Read God’s Word
A Verse for Today
Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.
John 18:1-2 (CSB): “After Jesus had said these things, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley, where there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples.”
Reflecting on God’s Word
The Apostle John lets us know in John 18:1-2 how Judas knew that Jesus was going to be on the Mount of Olives in the Garden of Gethsemane. He knew because “Jesus often met there with his disciples.” So, Jesus spent much time in a Garden with His disciples walking or sitting in the shade of the olive trees.
If you read the Gospels and record where Jesus spoke, you will observe that He spent a large percentage of His time teaching outdoors. He gave The Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5-7) outdoors. He loved speaking on or near the Sea of Galilee. He even spoke to two disciples on a road or path to Emmaus the day He rose from the dead. You can’t help but read the Gospels and come away realizing that Jesus enjoyed communicating with His Father and doing ministry outdoors.
One of the benefits of being outside according to Scripture is that we are surrounded by God’s Creation that makes Him known.
Romans 1:19-20 (CSB): “since what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made…”
I’m not sure about you, but I love being outdoors, especially when the weather isn’t too hot or cold. Whether I’m on a hike or bike ride out in nature, it seems that I can connect with God much more easily and deeply than I ordinarily can inside a building. I often find it much easier to pray when I can lift my eyes to the sky and pray than when I’m looking at the walls or ceiling of a room. Jesus was no different. He sometimes prayed while looking at the sky.
John 17:1 (CSB): “Jesus spoke these things, looked up to heaven, and said, ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you,'”
I guess the application of this devotional is to consider going outside into nature to spend time with the Lord, if it’s possible. If you feel like you can do it safely, take your shoes off (like Moses – Exodus 3:5). Enjoy the grass and trees as they sway in the wind. Listen to the birds or other animals as they praise the Lord (Psalm 148:7,10). Enjoy the smell of God’s creation (unless you’re downwind of a pig farm). And let all of this and more fuel your heart to lift up your voice to the God who made it all … and enjoy Him.
Spend Time in Prayer
- Ask God to help you find time and a place to spend in nature, so you can be with Him.
Going Deeper
If you want to dig a little deeper into Romans 1:20, consider reading the following GotQuestions article:
“How are God’s invisible attributes clearly seen in creation (Romans 1:20)?”
Sharing
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Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com)
Matt’s Musings 