GOD’S NATURE

Abigail Howe

Inever thought of going outside as much of a luxury. It’s something that’s easy to take for granted, especially in Oxford, where you can explore the Botanical Gardens or Port Meadow without much thought. But, under current lockdown rules, time outside is limited. While having a garden helps, we can’t move around with our typical freedom. It’s given me a new appreciation for walking and the world around me; I’m lucky enough to have fields near my house where I’m unlikely to run into other people. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been amazed by the pace of the change—flowers blooming and fruit trees growing rapidly. My regular walks have encouraged me to think about seasons, beauty, and the hope which God can transform into certainty.

It’s easy to recognise the beauty of the natural world without thinking about the reason for it. Psalm 19 tells us that “the heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands”. Theologically, then, nature is an active participant, drawing attention to God’s glory simply through its existence. But it is our responsibility to notice it. It’s far too easy to get wrapped up in deadlines, stress and socialising, especially during term-time. We can forget to look beyond ourselves and see God’s glory actualised through the world around us. While it can feel like we’re frozen in time and estranged from our normal lives, this can also be a time of reflection where we can slow down, look at the world around us, and think about life’s biggest questions.

Every day, I walk through a field populated by five very placid horses, and I’ve noticed how relaxed and content they seem to be. It’s something that’s truly aspirational—especially now, at a time when we’re so given to worrying! In fact, Job 12:7–10 encourages us to look to the animals of the natural world, as well as the earth itself, as an example of God’s wonderful provision for us. Psalm 33:5 develops this, seeing the world as an embodiment of His love for us: that the earth is even ‘full’ of his unfailing love. Rather than merely giving us enough to get by, He offers us abundance. Think of the variety of trees and plants around us in the UK—and beyond that, across the whole world. Everywhere, we are blessed with a wonderful range of plants, creatures, and landscapes. Though bluebells are near extinction in the UK, in Kent—where I live—there are plenty. Their purpose is their beauty, and it shows God’s love for us.

But not all of my contemplations were so positive. Even though lockdown may be keeping us inside, climate change still continues. Environmental threats can seem like they’re eroding the seasons themselves, leading to threatening extremes. It’s essential that we remember our duty towards the planet and each other. Global warming threatens diversity and we are called as children of God to counter this by being dutiful stewards—Isaiah 24:4 shows that there is an intersection between spiritual rejection, and physical decay of the world around us. However, we also need to have hope for a better future and remember that God has ultimate power. Through Him, all things are made possible.

Yet even despite these potential causes for anxiety, as I have been out walking, I have been comforted by the birds. It seems like they have been singing more lately—perhaps it’s just that we have been listening! These birds have the simple faith that food will be provided, and that what is provided is enough. In Matthew 6:26, the writer shows how we are so much more significant than the birds—but he points out, ‘yet your heavenly Father feeds them’. It shows Christians everywhere that we should have a similar faith. The regularity of seasonal change serves as another indicator of both bountifulness, and God’s consistency. In Psalm 96, it’s written that we should “let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy”. Wherever we are—with whatever access to nature we have—let’s try to be joyful and jubilant, letting our faith in God show through our actions as a sign for others, just as nature is a sign for us of God’s love, power, and provision.

Abigail is a first year English Literature student at Magdalen. She has what some people may describe as too many books. She sees it as too few bookshelves.