Elohim’s creation is full of wonder, mystery, and if one is observant, the very mountains, trees, and rivers may teach you something. Not in the sense that they will speak to you in verbal form but in a language nonetheless, you need only be attentive and contemplative.
“For since the creation of the world His invisible qualities have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, both His everlasting power and Mightiness…” (Romans 1:20)
His invisible qualities can mean a multitude of things, but for me, it’s the lessons that Elohim shares via the creation. In a way it has taken the place of a mentor, I still watch and listen to several different teachers, but for years now I have been without a mentor. If you’ve never experienced that type of relationship, it’s hard to imagine the whole that is left when a mentor departs. I think it’s how the disciples felt when Yeshua left them, albeit it must have felt much more amplified. What I have written down below are a few lessons accompanied with corresponding Scripture. I hope you find some wisdom or benefit in them.
Yah Speaks Through His Creation
Observe how the mountain does not bow to the wind, it remains calm and fixated. Now, notice how a tree sways and gives with the wind. It does not struggle against the wind but uses the wind, to either cast off old branches or to spread its seed. Finally, watch the many rivers that flow down the mountain. Some faster and some slower, yet all reach the bottom in due time.
Observation Notes
The Mountain- At times we must be like that of the mountain, strong, independent, unmoving, and reserved. For example, when you set boundaries with someone, you must maintain them, or they will test your limits to find a way through. Think of them as being the wind, they push and conjure up a mighty gust but you are planted and are unbendable. Upon your sharp resolution, their attempts will fall by the wayside.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, nor be discouraged, for יהוה your Elohim is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
The Tree- At times we must emulate the tree, being flexible yet firm, pruning ourselves, and maximizing effectiveness. Learn to use opposition to either cast off negative aspects of your character, or to grow and spread your utility. In life we will experience storms, we may lose our jobs or have a relationship come to a close. In these moments we can use the turbulence caused by such scenarios to better ourselves. We can take losing the job to finally try that business idea we’ve been sitting on but never attempted because we were too comfortable. In the same token, a breakup might reveal some nasty habits we have that need to be let go of. Use the storm, don’t let the storm use you.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you prove what is that good and well-pleasing and perfect desire of Elohim.” (Romans 12:2)
The Rivers- Life is much like the rivers making their way down the mountain, it bends and flows at various speeds. But unlike the rivers, we are constantly comparing our progress to others, what good is this? Why say “When he was my age, he already did this and that.” Can one man’s journey be compared to another’s? If so, it should not be done in a competitive nature. You are the river, constantly moving to your end state and there will be many obstacles along the way. Knowing this, do not stop at every rock along the way for this will disrupt your flow. Do not wear yourself thin, becoming nothing more than a stream, unable to properly flow and provide aid to weary travelers. Likewise, do not become so full of yourself that you become a flood, destroying everything around you. A healthy river is not too small or too large, and it is not dammed up but flows continually and effortlessly.
“Trust in יהוה with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;” (Proverbs 3:5)
Putting it All Together
Life is all about growing and becoming the best version of ourselves. Our ideal state is to become like the Messiah, as Paul wrote to be imitators of him as he is of Messiah. Being better today than we were yesterday is the epitome of self-development, and the tools to achieve this are all around us. The Bible, righteous leaders/teachers, and the very creation model. From the mountain, we learn what it means to be unflinching in the face of challenges. From the tree, how to use troubling times to benefit us. Last but not least from the rivers, how we are all on our own path, and that we should focus on our own efficiency.
P.S.
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