Lessons From Nature: God’s Handiwork
Living in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, I’ve always had what felt like the perfect backdrop of God’s handiwork on display in my own backyard! I’m blessed to live in a place where I can get in my car and quickly be in the mountains, at the lake, or in the heart of the bustling city!
One of my favorite memories from growing up was going hiking in the mountains with my dad. We’d make an entire day of it – waking up early and packing our backpacks full of our favorite snacks. Then, we’d be out the door at the crack of dawn on another one of our little adventures. We’d always listen to a CD of John Denver’s greatest hits as we made the drive up into the mountains. Take Me Home, Country Roads played through the truck speakers as we left the crowded streets of the city and ascended into the serenity of the mountains.
Once on the trail, my dad would always marvel at the scenes of nature around him, praising God out loud for His Creation. I’d watch him curiously as, even at his age, he’d take in the world around him with childlike wonder. Even trails we’d hiked countless times before, he’d always seem so in awe of the scenery as if he were taking it all in for the first time. I always wondered just what exactly he was seeing when he was exclaiming the beauty of the towering trees or the changing color of the leaves. After all, they didn’t look all that different from the trees or the leaves not too far back home. Now, I realize he was reveling in all of God’s handiwork while experiencing a little slice of heaven on earth!
The same God who handcrafted the universe created us in His own image!
I’m so thankful that my parents forced me to get outside (even when I didn’t want to). They taught me to appreciate God’s handiwork on display in all sorts of fascinating ways – the way the spring breeze gently makes the leaves dance on the branches, the taste of sweet blackberries straight off the vine, or how small we truly are compared to the gigantic trees and colossal mountains.
It never fails to amaze me that the same God who made all of these breathtaking sights also made us! Even though humans were created after the heavens and the earth, we are certainly not least among these! Unlike the shining sun, the roaming animals, or the vast landscapes of this earth, we have something unique – God created us special, in His own image! (Gen 1:27). But God didn’t stop there, He loved us so much that He went on to bless humankind as well! (Gen 1:28-30).
So, I challenge you. The next time you find yourself in awe over a beautiful sunset or the mystery of the ocean, remember that the same God who handcrafted it all also created and loves you! It’s a pretty amazing reminder of just how much God cares for us!
Journal Prompt
List some things about nature that you find truly awe-inspiring. If you can’t think of anything then it’s time to spend some time outdoors and reconnect with God! Afterall, when we spend time in nature, we are reminded that God and His Creation are good!
Prayer
Lord, I am in absolute awe at this beautiful world you created! Everywhere I look I am overwhelmed by your handiwork. Please don’t let me ever stop seeing the world through a childlike lens of wonder and joy! Thank you for loving me enough to create me in Your own image! Help me to see your Goodness everywhere – not just in nature, but in everyone I meet. I ask that you would help me to see others as part of Your very own special Creation!
Bible Verses
“Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice.” Psalms 96:11-12
“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Hebrews 11:3
“Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein.” Isaiah 42:5
Photo Credit: Lum3n on Pexels
