Let Creation Remind Us of Our Great God
May 9, 2020 by Anne Pyper

God made his creation with intention, craftsmanship, functionality, beauty, and proof. By enjoying his creation we are reminded of his promises. God is always present, faithful, and good. Nature reminds us to slow down and delight in the details our creator has made. It allows us to be still and know that he is God and he is with us. (Psalm 46:10)

There is a trail in Muskegon that takes you through the woods out to Lake Michigan where you can walk along a dune overlooking the shoreline and water. Walking through the woods is peaceful and still. When you arrive at the outlook you feel awestruck at the vastness of the sky and water. The experience is different every time we hike there. Some days I feel God’s power through the wind and crashing waves and, yet, other days I feel God’s peace in the stillness and calm. The outdoors reminds me that God is always present and near. He is there in the stormy hard days and he is present in the calm days with the sun shining down on me. When I need to be reminded of this I hike to this spot and stand on the edge of the dune fully aware of God’s faithfulness and presence in my life. When I call on the name of the Lord he is there. He has given us all that we need to walk in obedience with him and to have total dependence on him in which we can experience true peace.

“I am with you always.” Matthew 28:20

God has put an immense amount of detail in everything he has made. In the food we harvest and eat, God has a specific purpose for every living thing that he created. God has even put an immense amount of attention to detail in the soil in which our crops grow. If he had a specific purpose for dirt, imagine the purpose he has for each one of us. Each piece of produce God created, he made with intention. God made walnuts with serotonin to enhance our happiness, avocados with vitamin C to boost immunity, and eggs with vitamin B and choline to improve muscle health. He created water to cleanse us, promote brain function, and increase energy.

“God formed us with intention and knows us intimately.” Psalm 139.

The next time you need a simple reminder of God’s promises for you, look for God’s presence surrounding you. He created the world to point us to Him. Find God’s goodness, be filled, and find rest and peace in whom He has called you to be. Go outside and DELIGHT in the details our maker has put into his creation. Spring is a time where it is easy to see God’s beauty in creation. Delight in the flowers that are bringing forth life, go see a sunset over Lake Michigan, go for a walk or a hike, watch the birds, and feel the sun on your face. Experience the peace that will wash over you. Remember that God loves you and he is always near to us no matter what season of life we are in.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”Philippians 4:4-9

Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the beauty of nature with which you have gifted us.Thank you for the seasons we have in Michigan to remind us that you are present as we experience every season of life. We pray it will point us to you. We are amazed at your craftsmanship when making the skies, seas, and stars. Open our eyes to your goodness. Thank you for this reminder that your promises are true and we can find rest and peace in you alone. Turn our hearts and minds to you. Instill in us a child-like curiosity to explore your creation. Remind us of your faithfulness through all generations.
In your name, Amen.