©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com
Around St. Patrick’s Day, the focus on green seems heightened, but green has been a dominant and vital indicator of God’s provision and peace since He used it prolifically in creation.
Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so. Genesis 1:29-30 NIV
Over the years, many popular sayings have emerged using the word green. In today’s world, the term “going green” often denotes being environmentally conscious, “getting the greenlight” means obtaining the go ahead for a project, and “having a green thumb” indicates expertise at growing plants and flowers.
Theatrical shows have green rooms for actors; many restaurants use green paint and wallpaper, nature paintings or greenery to create an inviting atmosphere; and people put green plants in offices and homes. House hunters on popular TV programs often express a desire for “green space.”
Green engenders feelings of freshness, regeneration, and growth.
One of my favorite visualizations stimulated by the term green comes from Psalm 23 where Scripture says “he makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.” God not only offers times of refreshment and renewal, He also knows they are beneficial for us.
Is a storm taking place in your mind or life? Are worry and weariness wearing you down? God can provide peace in the midst of it.
Peace from the hurt. Peace in the heart.
But, we are not the ones who create the calm, nor are we the ones who deliver it.
“The Lord is my shepherd” is how Psalm 23 begins and it reminds us of Who should take the lead in our lives. The “my” shows how personal the relationship can be. God cares about me and He cares about you.
The term “makes” in “He makes me lie down in green pastures” can seem somewhat confusing or grating until we remember the start of Psalm 23 “The Lord is my shepherd. I lack nothing.” It isn’t about God’s forcefulness; it’s about God’s generousness.
After animals are fed, watered and cared for, they can rest. Likewise, when we are filled up with the Lord, we can be confident in His provision.
When we are full not fearful, we experience peace.
Even if a storm rages in our lives and circumstances cause chaos, God can lead us mentally, emotionally and spiritually away from the turmoil and the torment to a place of peace.
The term “green pastures” creates a mental picture of a bucolic field of green. But the concept here is much deeper and the feeling it stimulates is much stronger. We’re invited to a place of both pleasure and peace; respite and relaxation; calmness and contentment.
While spending time outside in God’s creation can be a stress-buster, researchers have also discovered that watching scenic videos and viewing photos of green landscapes can have a positive, soothing effect.
Humans often experience an innate association between the color green and feelings of peace and refreshment, as well as a sense of health, safety, and abundance. What an incredible design by God to remind us of His provision!
Even businesses have realized the positive psychological and physiological reactions we instinctively have to seeing green. Consider the many popular companies who’ve chosen to use green in their branding: Starbucks, Whole Foods Market, 7Up, Tropicana, Holiday Inn, Subway, Hello Fresh, Instacart, Fidelity and many more.
While it’s interesting to think about that, it’s God’s message that matters.
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:20-21 NIV
Through God’s design and use of green throughout creation, He’s given us daily reminders of His goodness, faithfulness and provision.
In this year of 2022, it’s interesting to learn that although God gave us green abundantly in nature, the word green is only used 22 times in the New International Version of the Bible. These verses in Jeremiah reinforce that peace and growth can be experienced by faith and reliance on God.
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV
Our dad loved green and often wore it. My brother and I knew if we received a clothing item that dad picked out, it would almost certainly be green. Once when the two of us met up as adults after not seeing each other for a while, we burst into laughter realizing that each of us had walked into the restaurant wearing green. Obviously the green imprinting had made an impact on us! But, dad’s consistent gifting of the green is what made it memorable and a source of delight!
As you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year, and watch as more and more green emerges throughout the spring, think about the One who created green and let it be a reminder of the peace we find with Him.
- What is your favorite green space?
- When you think about positive childhood memories, what is one that involves an outdoor green space?
- Do you have a favorite item that’s green (other than money :-))?
- When you look at a field or backyard of green during springtime, what do you feel most? Peace? Hope? Renewal? Refreshment? Contentment? Assurance? Promise fulfilled?
- Are you full enough in the Lord today to find rest and peace in His promises?
- Read these verses from Psalm 23 aloud, then pray it as a prayer to God starting it with “You, my Lord, are my shepherd” and replacing “He” with “You” throughout.
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-3 NIV
Remember…
Life is Better When It’s Full – Joy-full, Thank-full, Purpose-full and Friend-full! ™