God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

                                                                                                                        Genesis 1:31 

Read: Genesis 1 

How much time do you spend alone with God? We all have schedules and things that cry out for our attention, but how much time do we actually spend with the Creator of the universe? As believers in Jesus, we have the awesome privilege of enjoying His presence and His favor in our lives. So as we assess how we spend our time, let’s make sure that we are practicing living in His presence all day long while reserving a special time daily to talk and interact with Him.

One of the best ways in which to spend time with God is to disconnect from the world (television, computers, cell phones, etc) and connect with Him through His creation. As we read the account of creation, we should take note of the following phrase, which appears seven times in Genesis 1: “And God saw that it was good.” Everything that God has created is good. We will take a look later as to why we live in such a fallen world but we need to understand that the world in which God created is good.

I believe that this is why so many people find solace in nature, even those who do not acknowledge the Creator. Whether it is a walk on the beach, a long look into the night sky at the stars, a quiet walk in the forest, or just sitting in that quiet place that we call our own, connecting to God’s creation will promote nearness to Him. Why? Because everything that He has made, He has declared to be good.

I want to encourage you to begin this study by resolving to spend time with God daily. You may or may not have access to nature but I encourage you to find that place where you can go and connect with Him. Here are three passages of scripture to take with you as you spend time with Him. Read each one aloud and let each passage speak directly to your soul:

The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. 

                                                                                                                   Psalm 19:1-2

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

                                                                                                                   Psalm 23:1-6 

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate (His) faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way…

                                                                                                                 Psalm 37:3-5, 7a 

Trust in the Lord, delight in the Lord, commit your way to the Lord, and rest in the Lord. These are the attributes of someone who has placed his/her faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross. With that faith comes salvation, forgiveness, redemption, reconciliation, and restoration. And in addition to that, we should not forget the benevolence of God either. Consider Jesus’ words regarding God’s willingness to give what is good:

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!

                                                                                                                        Matthew 7:11 

Just as everything that God created was declared good, so too God is willing to give us what is good as well. These are things consistent with being useful, salutary, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy, favorable to or promoting health, and things promoting or conducive to some beneficial purpose. As you ponder the words from the Psalms, dwell on the goodness of God.

So as we begin our study of “Lessons from the Old Testament”, let’s make sure to set aside (sanctify) a time when we are alone with God, talking to Him (praying) and listening to Him (reading His Word). It is something that will revolutionize our lives!