Our world is in a season of great distrust and rampant misinformation. Fact-checkers need fact-checkers. There can only be one truth, yet everyone claims to know it. How do we find the truth in the middle of information chaos? Wisdom and truth walk hand in hand; wisdom guides our search for the truth. Now more than ever, we need the heavenly understanding that comes from God. Within it, there is no deception. Thankfully, no matter where we are, God shows us his wisdom through reminders in our world.
But the wisdom from above is first pure [morally and spiritually undefiled], then peace-loving [courteous, considerate], gentle, reasonable [and willing to listen], full of compassion and good fruits. It is unwavering, without [self-righteous] hypocrisy [and self-serving guile].
James 3:7
Relevant Reminders
When Jesus walked the earth, he spoke in parables, earthly stories with heavenly meanings. Many of these parables included daily observances of nature. Nature will always be relevant, but in modern times, we must often try to get out and experience nature’s benefits to see the beauty and effectiveness of His word. One “Google” search will yield many scientific studies on the physical and mental health benefits of being in nature. Time in nature can simultaneously nourish us spiritually and physically when we remember the teachings of Jesus. “A double whammy,” as we used to say back in the day. Experiencing both provides insight, strength, understanding, wisdom, and spiritual growth. In nature, we see stunning glimpses of God’s personality, care, brilliance, creativity, and glory, and we learn the lessons that Jesus left for us to find.
I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore.
Genesis 22:17
New and Old
God used parables throughout the Old Testament as well. Consider the promise to Abraham. Every night, when Abraham looked at the stars, it reminded him how many offspring he would eventually have. It was a daily encouragement to trust God’s promise and to hold to God’s promises for Abraham’s future lineage. During the day, as Abraham’s feet touched the innumerable grains of sand, he was reminded of God’s promise. It was reflected in nature as a daily reminder, although the current situation wasn’t there yet.
Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
Matthew 10:16
Nature’s Story
For as the rain and snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth, Making it bear and sprout, And providing seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
Isaiah 55:10
The parables of Jesus hold the key to grounded, solid, and heavenly wisdom that will help us navigate this world. We can also have daily reminders of God’s promises. Next time you have a moment in nature or watch nature shows, consider his wise reminders within the parables Jesus taught. Think about the seed and the sower, the weeds and soil, the mustard seeds, sheep, serpents, doves, wolves, and the fig trees. When we get into nature to reap its physical and mental benefits, let’s take that time to feed our spirit. The earth is teeming with life in the spring; it’s the perfect time to ask our loving God to show us his wisdom in our surroundings.
If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5
