Walk in nature brings us closer to God

"But I say walk and live habitually by and guided by the Spirit (responsive to and guided by the Spirit); then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God)."

- Galatians 5:16 (AMP)

You see them everywhere; the warmth of springtime and the budding of the trees entices the walkers out of seclusion.

Some walk fast, swinging their arms front and back with a rhythmic motion as they keep a steady pace. Others display a relaxed, casual attitude and stroll along enjoying the view, stopping to chat with neighbors along the way. Some passersby don special attire such as sweatsuits, headphones or headbands.

Regardless of their appearance or the cadence of their stride, walkers all hold the same common bond in their hearts: the desire to get some fresh air and exercise.

With my background as a nurse, I am well aware of the many benefits a walk can produce. But a good, hearty walk is also a great time to open our spirit and let it connect with God's Holy Spirit.

We can do this by emptying our mind's worries and fears and troubling concerns and releasing them to our Lord in prayer as we walk. As we gaze at the colorful flowers and pleasant greenery, we can fill our minds with the thoughts of nature's beauty and pray for those who have spent their time planting this bountiful harvest.

Praying for the welfare of our community or the specific neighborhood in which we walk can take our worries away and bring blessings to others, as well as ourselves.

Filling our headphones with music that praises God and lifts him up is a wonderful way to worship God and fill our soul with the joy of song. Listening to a teaching tape or uplifting passages of scripture can fill us with revelation and truth, and help us gain new, positive insights to improve our daily lives.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.