Seeing God All Around You

O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures. Here is the ocean, vast and wide, teeming with life of every kind, both large and small.” – Psalm 104:24-25.

How often have you had the experience of stepping back from your busy life and finding yourself on a beach, in the woods, fishing on a lake, or even a quiet stroll through a park and suddenly felt the nearness of God? There’s just something about seeing the beauty, creativity, and complexity of what God has made. There is wonder all around us in all of its shapes and forms. And that wonder of creation is further proof of God’s sovereignty and reliability. 

We need to spend some time in God’s creation. It could be watching sea turtles make their way to the water, or hiking though forests, or visiting the Grand Canyon, or scuba diving in the vast oceans.  Maybe it is watching the spectacle of a thunderstorm or the splendor of a rainbow. We owe it to ourselves to have an appreciation for His creation. Romans 1:19-20 states that “They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” And Scripture tells us that God is at work maintaining and facilitating His creation. Psalm 147:8-9 tells us:

“He covers the heavens with clouds, provides rain for the earth, and makes the grass grow in mountain pastures. He gives food to the wild animals and feeds the young ravens when they cry.”

Nature reaffirms to us that God has and will provide for us all of our days. Nature shows us not to worry because God is both powerful and near. Nature demonstrates to us that God is creative, practical, brilliant, loving, and full of mystery and wonder. 

Whether you live in the city or miles outside a city, look upon God’s creation and listen and feel His presence and hear His voice. Listen to God today and allow your heart to be stirred as you discover his unwavering desire to speak to you through His creation.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your best place to experience the presence of God? What are the reasons for that being the best place?
2. Do you spend much quiet time in nature? Where do you encounter nature in your everyday life?
3. How often are you silent without the distractions of mobile phones, tablets, computers or TVs?