Nature in Scripture
Have you ever noticed how strongly nature factors into the Christian Bible?
- Sparrows (Matthew 10:29-31)
- Milk and honey (Deut. 6:2-3)
- Rainbows (Genesis 9:12-13)
- Mountains (Psalm 95:4-5)
- Olive trees (Psalm 52:8)
- Cypress, cedar, acacia, etc trees: (Isaiah 41:19)
- Vines and branches (John 15:1-10)
- Tree of life (Revelation 22:1-2)
Notice how many time Jesus himself retreated to remote mountains and gardens to spend time with His Father.
…and that just scratches the surface.
Nature is deeply embedded in every part of the Creation story.
Nature IS the Creation Story.
Creation is part of God’s living Word.
In fact, creation and God and Scripture are inextricably linked.
Nature helps us understand the Bible,
And the Bible gives us insight into God and His Creation.
Combining forest bathing with Scripture study improves both practices exponentially. Quiet time with Him in nature is such a powerful way to grow in your relationship with Him.
I encourage you to give it a try…
What Forest Bathing with Scripture looks like
I encourage you to grab your Bible and head out to your sit spot.
Start by closing your eyes and following your breath in and out.
Then, tune in to each one of your senses separately.
When you’re ready, invite God into your experience and draw your attention to His presence.
Next, open your Bible and read through whatever verses or chapters you feel called to. A good place to start might be the book of Song of Solomon. References to nature explode from the pages.
Notice how nature brings the words alive and how the words bring nature alive and how it all comes together to glorify God. How you can feel it more deeply than ever before.
Just spend as much time here as you like, soaking in the words, in the context, in the vibrancy and spending this time of richness with Christ.
I know some of my most poignant memories with God happened in nature, whether it was on a youth group retreat or while camping. There’s something about the God-breathed open air and quiet and room to think and pray that allows your relationship to flourish.
You can see and feel His presence.
Go deeper
If you’re interested in taking your forest bathing and Bible study practices even deeper, we just released a nature-based Bible study called A Tree Planted. Grab your copy here. (It’s also now included in the Immersion Library.)
I hope this post makes you excited to try forest bathing with Scripture.
I want to know…
Where have you felt God’s presence most? Have you ever combined forest bathing with Scripture?