There’s something so refreshing and restoring about being in nature. It's like stepping into a sanctuary where the world’s worries fade away, replaced by the symphony of rustling leaves, chirping birds, and the gentle rush of flowing water.
I remember driving through Scotland’s coast with my husband on our honeymoon and stopping now and then just to sit and soak all the scenery in front of us. It was one of the most sacred and astounding experiences I’ve ever had.
I’ve never felt God’s presence as strong as I did that day. It showed how true Isaiah 6:3 is
“The whole earth is filled with his glory.”
Now whenever I immerse myself in nature—whether hiking through lush trails, discovering hidden waterfalls, lounging on sandy shores, or marveling at stunning vistas—I not only rediscover the essence of that verse, but also sense God's presence more deeply, and my soul is restored. It's as if I reclaim a part of myself while embracing His boundless love simultaneously.
Nature refreshes our soul
Nature is one of the richest graces God has provided not only for our delight but also to heal our souls and absorb his goodness.
David wrote a poem to celebrate the restoration of his soul in Psalms 23:
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV)
There are so many beautiful aspects of these verses:
God heals in nature
God could have taken David into the palace to renew him; into the home of a friend or family member; or even in the bustling markets of Jerusalem. But he chose nature, his greenhouse, filled with his own life, unique in its ability to restore and renew people’s hearts.
He makes us lie down in green pastures
According to W. Phillip Keller, a modern-day shepherd who worked for eight years as a sheep owner and sheep rancher in British Columbia, sheep only lie down under certain circumstances:
When they are free from fear
When there is no tension with others of their kind
When they are not tormented by flies or parasites
When they are free from hunger
The metaphor of the Lord being our shepherd and making us lie down in green pastures reminds us that He is the one who frees us from fear, aids in the restoration of our relationships, eradicates parasites, and nourishes our souls. He is the one who gives us true rest.
He leads us beside quiet waters
God didn’t create us to live full of noise all the time, which is why this verse says He leads us beside the quiet when we are with Him in nature. A tranquil place without distractions, where we can slow down, calm our minds, and be in His presence.
He refreshes our souls
Other Bible versions use the word “restore” which in the form of the Hebrew verb also means to bring back. God not only uses nature to restore our souls but also to bring us back to Him.
We were created to be connected with the Creator in His Creation. So if you are looking to find rest and restoration for your soul. I encourage you to step outside and embrace the beauty of nature.
“Nature heals, teaches, strengthens, soothes; it brings us the presence of God. . . . Go let it restore your soul — daily whenever possible.” - John Eldredge
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