Have you ever realized that God is unchanging despite your ever-changing emotional and physical state? God might respond to this question through the universe he created. It’s become commonplace to say that one “finds God in nature” today. Experiencing God’s presence in the natural world can rescue you from low moods, ease your worries, and give you strength to endure difficult times.
God speaks to us through His creation—we just have to learn to listen. The mountains defy gravity, the sun rises no matter how black the night is, and the waters lap the rocky shore.
Key Takeaways
- The article emphasizes finding God’s presence in nature as a source of comfort and strength during difficult times.
- It highlights how nature reflects God’s attributes and communicates His presence, citing biblical passages that illustrate this connection.
- Practical tips are provided for connecting with God through outdoor activities and embracing the beauty of the natural world. Relevant Bible verses are also shared to illustrate God’s presence in nature.
Contents
What Does The Bible Say About God In Nature?
Through the splendor of nature, God primarily sustains our souls with his loving presence. The sun illuminates the Lord’s countenance[1]. The moon and stars serve as a reminder that God’s light and love radiate upon us even in the darkness. The Psalmist declares that the Almighty speaks to us and warms us from the heavens (Psalm 19:1–6). The Lord brings us joy in the form of crashing waves and frolicking creatures (Psalm 29:3, 6).
The entire Scripture contains testimonies of the Almighty speaking to us. For example, the sky, ocean waves, breeze wafting through the trees, flowers and fields, and birds singing joyfully. The Holy Son, Jesus Christ, assures us that our Heavenly Father watches over the sparrows and us (Matthew 6:26 and 10:29).
Nature reveals to us God’s power, beauty, glory, wisdom, presence, originality, and, most importantly, his concern. This is why we are attracted to spending time in nature’s splendor and appreciating animals. Taking a walk on a gorgeous day, playing with your canine in the grass, or holding your cat are reliable methods for many people to experience God’s presence.
What Does Nature Reveal About God?
Creation, as part of God’s general revelation, attests to certain attributes of God. The following reveals God’s character or nature:
It Proclaims God’s Glory
The heavens testify to the reality of God’s grandeur. It is proof to the entire human population that God exists.
Simply Contemplating The Heavens Can Open Our Senses To The Actuality Of God
David penned Psalm 19:1–2 eons ago: “The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.”
The Earth And Heavens, And Even the Night Sky, Illustrate God’s Compassion Toward Humanity
Psalm 8:1, 3–4 says, “O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens… When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you set in place—what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?”
It Imposses Accountability
Psalm 33:5 says, “The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.” Due to nature’s witness, individuals are held responsible for the wisdom that God has revealed.
Nature Has Limits In What It Tells About God
Nature, or God’s creation, provides us with limited revelation. God’s intangible aspects or essence are only partially revealed. Specifically, “His divine nature and eternal power.”
Can You Connect With God Through Nature?
The Bible doesn’t mention exactly what Jesus’ favorite color is, but some theologians speculate that he may have had a fondness for earthy hues, reflecting his close connection to nature and creation.
The act of connecting with God while exploring His creation is more than just taking in the beauty of dawn; it is a chance to discover more about the Creator and His character.
You don’t have to hike for hours through the forests to have a meaningful encounter with God, though that’s certainly a possibility if you’re into that kind of thing. Seeing God in the world right outside your door is just as possible.
3 Keys To Finding God In Nature
There is no need for any further divine intervention; natural disclosure is more than adequate to demonstrate that humankind is accountable and “without excuse.” Therefore, it is incumbent upon humanity to seek knowledge of who this Creator is and what He demands. If you want to find God in nature, here are three ways to do that:
Venture Into The Great Outdoors
Psalm 95:4–5 says, “In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.”
Have you heard of any big lakes that are easily accessible by car? Take a stroll along the shore and enjoy the scenery while throwing pebbles into the ocean and watching the birds. Spend enough time here to catch the sunset. Cabins are available for hire at many waterways. You will return again and again because of the joy you feel when you experience God through the environment.
Bring The Lovely Creation Of God To You
Wonderful teachings on God’s wisdom and on the qualities of hope and perseverance can be learned from the simple act of planting seeds and watering them day after day in the hopes that a small sprout will pop up out of the earth.
Learning about butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beautiful creatures in nature is a unique way to connect with God. Your faith will strengthen as you recall Biblical passages about God’s beautiful creation and his careful provision for even the smallest creatures, like the sparrow.
Don’t Rush Things
Our collective interpretation of this is “calm down.” We’re used to a fast pace of life, and that’s not necessarily a negative thing. However, we should make the most of our time in the wilderness by synchronizing our pace with that of the environment around us. Try to begin your daily walk before sunrise so that you can “wake up” with the natural world.
To maximize your time in the quiet of the nighttime outdoors, consider starting your walk the night before and sleeping near the beginning. Getting in sync with nature’s beat prepares us to hear the Lord’s heartbeat.
3 Bible Verses About God’s Beauty And Presence In Nature
There are Bible verses that speak to the glory of God’s creation and the possibility of discovering God in the natural world. Here are three of them:
Psalm 19:1–5
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
Romans 1:18–20
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of humanity who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 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 human beings are without excuse.
Job 12:7–10
But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you, or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.
Summary
Christian faith can be pursued in a variety of ways. Some see God while reveling in the seclusion of a high mountain lake, admiring a vibrant sunset, or contemplating the intricate structure of a flower.
May these insights serve as a gentle reminder that the Holy Spirit, through divine contact, opens our senses to see God, our King, in the natural world. Sharing the message of Jesus in this era will always entail inviting people to embrace a spiritual reality and to recognize that God is everywhere, including nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it called when you see God in nature?
The experience of perceiving God in nature is often termed “pantheism,” where the divine is seen as synonymous with the natural world, emphasizing the interconnectedness and spiritual significance of all living beings and the environment.
Is God nature or is nature God?
The question of whether God is nature or if nature is God is a philosophical inquiry that delves into interpretations of the divine. From a pantheistic viewpoint, they are seen as synonymous, while monotheistic traditions perceive a distinction between God as a transcendent creator and nature as the created.
Ultimately, answers vary based on individual philosophical or religious perspectives, ranging from seeing nature as a manifestation of God to viewing God as separate from the physical world.
Do we see God in nature?
The presence of God in nature is subjective, varying among individuals. Some find a sense of the divine in the beauty and complexity of the natural world, while others interpret it through a scientific lens. Whether one sees God in nature depends on personal beliefs and experiences.
What nature shows us about God?
Nature reveals profound insights about God, showcasing divine creativity, power, and beauty through its intricate ecosystems and diverse landscapes.
From the delicate intricacies of a flower to the grandeur of a mountain range, nature reflects the majesty often associated with the divine, while its cyclical processes parallel spiritual concepts of renewal and transformation.