(The view from my deck chair)
As spring approaches I look forward to spending my morning quiet time on our deck—taking in the new foliage-finery of the trees, the happy chatter of birds, the whispering breezes, and the sweet aroma of alyssum from the deck planter.
There’s something about sitting with God in his Living Room* that opens our eyes to his glory and draws our spirits closer to his heart.
Saturday was just such a day. And as I sat in His presence, God seemed to say:
I’m so glad you’re here, Nancy! I’ve planned several discoveries for you this morning.
From the Trees
First, lift your eyes to the trees. Rejoice in the reminders of:
- My strength (Psalm 93:1)–in the stalwart trunks
- My refuge (Psalm 25:4)–in their far-reaching limbs, offering shelter from the heat
- My provision (Philippians 4:19)–as they produce oxygen, give shelter to birds and animals, even provide food
Note the evidence of competence in their design–for purpose, beauty, and sustainability. I am your God of Competence as well, and have designed you to fulfill an individualized purpose, provide the beauty of Christlikeness to those around you, and spend eternity with Me.
From the Birds
(white-breasted nuthatch)
You can also revel in the birds—symbols of reliance on Me, and again, My provision (Matthew 6:26). Note the variety of color, pattern, song, and habit. Let the joy you experience watching birds remind you how I value your uniqueness.
Choose to celebrate who you are: the colors of your personality, the pattern of your life, the song of gifts and talents I’ve given you to share with the world, the habits of goodness I continue to form in you so you can impact others.
From the Squirrels
Together we can enjoy the antics of the squirrels! They too provide reminders for the life of faith:
- Even when they walk upside down on a branch, they do not fall. Similarly, I make firm your steps and keep you from falling (Psalm 37:24).
- With great confidence squirrels jump from limb to limb. You can live in great confidence also, because I’ve equipped you for what I ask you to do. (Ephesians 4:12; Hebrews 13:20-21).
- Every time they return to their nesting tree, they follow the same pathway through the branches. They remember well which branches offer the best proximity to the next tree.
I have provided a sure pathway for you to navigate through life. You can run in the path of my wise commands; my ways will bring you home safely (Psalm 119:32a; 139:24b).
- Squirrels can sit quite contentedly, even take a nap, on the very end of a branch—never concerning themselves they might fall or the branch might give way. They provide an example of perfect trust (Isaiah 26:3).
I am your security (Psalm 112:8). Out of My love and faithfulness, I will always protect you (Psalm 40:11)—even as I bring you home to heaven one day.
So when you find yourself at the end of a branch, and fear starts to creep in, send it scurrying away with My Word—verses like Psalm 27:1:
(Another view from our deck)
The Lord is my Light—
[My Joy, Peace, and Guide]
The Lord is my Salvation—
[My Protection, Provision, and Security]
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is my Stronghold—
[The Treasury of all good things]
Of whom shall I be afraid?
* * *
*a creative expression originated by Michael Hyatt, former CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishing
Photo credits: Nancy Ruegg; http://www.pxhere.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.maxpixel.net; Nancy Ruegg
From the Inside Out 
Nancy, I love your view – of both nature and our God. Thank you for sharing, especially the Scriptures. What a wonderful expression … “God’s Living Room”! Hope you are well, friend.
Thank you, Heidi! Just this morning as I was soaking in our backyard view, Steve said to me, “God’s gift to you.” I truly do feel that way about this little spot of earthly-heaven He’s provided! / Isn’t Michael Hyatt’s expression a perfect metaphor for the outdoors? You well know its expansiveness and beauty, from the long walks you take. / We are well, Heidi. Steve saw one of his doctors just today and received a thumb’s up!
(I hit the like button several times reading about Steve 🙂 )
Love this 💚 Thank you for sharing this!
And thank you, Linda, for visiting and taking the time to comment.
It is beautiful nature around you and loved your flowers. There is a special closeness felt because of nature and God’s creation to do our morning devotions outside. But as you well know God’s presence is everywhere.
You share in a special way. You have a special gift. Prayers continue for you and Steve. Love, Janet
Thank you so much for your encouragement, Janet, and your prayers for Steve!
Every bit of this is gorgeous, Nancy!! Thanks so much!!
Thank you, Diana–I’m so pleased you found beauty here!
What a lovely post, your backyard is your personal chapel. What a beautiful way to marinate in His love and celebrate His abundance.
LOVE that thought–the backyard as my personal chapel! Thank you, Denise. I do try to celebrate God’s abundance in a number of ways. He is SO good to us!
The view from your deck is gorgeous, so peaceful! I loved reading this entire blog, but especially about the squirrels and ‘perfect trust’ and ‘security’. This part is beautiful ‘You can live in great confidence also, because I’ve equipped you for what I ask you to do. (Ephesians 4:12; Hebrews 13:20-21).’ Everything, every tool we need to overcome anything is in His Word multiple times! So glad you got the thumbs up on Steve!
Amen, Cheri, and praise God for his supply of all we need. Such knowledge IS a comfort and confidence-booster. Yes, we’re celebrating too that Steve is doing so well. The next hurdle will be a CT scan of his liver and another of the subdural hematoma, both coming up in June!
your view from the deck refreshed my soul today. I have a special place in my heart for trees – thank you for sharing your time with God!!
You’re welcome, Jean. Trees do display God’s magnificent, creative genius in spectacular ways–their size, variety, function, and life cycle offer much for us to admire. And admiration turns our hearts to worship!
Hi Nancy,
Thank you for translating from the Lord, the “nature language.” As life gets crazier and busier, doesn’t the Lord tell us to look, listen, breathe, be still and know He is God?
Thank you,
Gary
Indeed, strength, peace, guidance, confidence, and more are available to us as we spend quiet time–looking, listening, breathing, and being still–in God’s presence. It is time well-invested!
I have an “A” type personality so it’s an ongoing process to stop and be still.
I’m one, too, Gary. But retirement has provided more opportunity for stillness–which is a glorious luxury! Someday you’ll enjoy it too!
Amen. I am really trying to do that now with the Lord’s help. I hope you enjoy many years of retirement.
Such peaceful views from your deck Nancy. I enjoy the peaceful walks in the woods. Thankful for recovering to enjoy things like my deck … not so sure I love those “squirrels” 🙂 They ate all my bulbs in the planters one year. Thanks for you thoughts and scriptures. One of my favorites is Psalm 91. It is called the Soldiers Psalm.
Oh, yes–walks in the woods are wonderfully therapeutic to the soul! I agree with you, squirrels can be problematic–as can deer. They latter ate the tender new growth on my rose bushes–including the buds! But I love them anyway. (I did buy some deer repellent to sprinkle around, however!) Thank you for stopping by, Samuel.
Dear Nancy, I so loved reading this post and of course seeing the photos from your deck. That kind of beauty is a balm for the soul.) Thinking of you, friend!
Hello, Jody!! What a delight to see your name in my inbox. It is thanks to you that such a post as this comes to fruition, as you encouraged us at the Abide Retreat to listen to God as a spiritual practice. Such a profound privilege he grants us, to receive personal impressions within our spirits! Thank you for your encouragement and example.
Nice post. What a wonderful place to meet with God.
Thank you, Chrissy. It IS delightful!