Stop, Look, and Listen

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you. Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind” (Job 12:7-10 NIV).

Fall Scene just North of Flagstaff, AZ

 “Stop, look, and listen” is famous for being the crossed signs that announced railroad tracks, and the message was a good one. In a different context it can help us to calm down by convincing us to take some time to observe and experience creation. Often we need to slow down from or step away for a short time from our responsibilities. Decide on a period of time when you will not answer the phone (the most rude and invasive instrument ever invented). Every time it rings, we feel like we should stop what we are doing and at least find our who is calling. It demands our attention. 

  Refusing to answer the phone is a good place to start to take control of your time. During the time you ignore the phone, divert your mind from the problems that need solved, and any projects you may be working on. “What do I do now?” First, walk outside and, once you are outside, STOP, seriously, stop moving and LOOK. That’s right, LOOK at your surroundings. Take at least five minutes to LOOK around yourself—360 degrees—and try to remember everything you see. Close your eyes and try to visualize what you saw. Now, take at least two minutes and LISTEN to the sounds of nature—birdsong, the buzz of a bee, the moving of the wind, and the sound of a creek if you are near one. Close your eyes again, and try to visualize the scenery overlaid by the sounds you heard. 

 Open your eyes, take it all in, and thank God for His creation. I believe that at this point you have drawn closer to God. It is my firm belief that Creation Beckons Us, and I believe that Creation has Drawn US Closer to God. 

 I don’t believe that any man who spends some quiet time immersing himself in the beauty and grandeur of creation can really believe that there is no God. Part of the reasons that God created this fantastic universe is to draw us to Him. He loves us so much that He created all of this universe for us to enjoy, and for Him to spend time with us.  And He loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on a cross, taking our sins within Himself and forgiving us of them so that He could spend eternity with us. God loves us more than we can ever imagine.

 I am asking you to take thirty minutes today to walk out into nature and STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN for God. Enjoy yourself, allow yourself to forgot all your problems, and relax. God will meet you there.