Drawing Closer To God In His Creation

I’m not sure about you, but I’ve found in the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to become disconnected from God. Yet, amidst the chaos and noise, if we listen, we can hear God invite us to pause and spend some time alone with Him.

For me, when possible, the very best place to do that is outdoors, in the beauty of His creation. There, I draw closer to Him than I could anywhere else, and I return home feeling rested and strengthened. Jesus did this very thing, often, as we see in the Scriptures and I figure, if He needed to get away in the wilderness to be alone and pray, than how much more do I?

“And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,” -Matthew 14:23

“After bidding them farewell, He left for the mountain to pray.” -Mark 6:46

“But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.” -Luke 5:16

“…Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.” -John 6:15

It’s my hope that you get a chance to hit the pause button out there in God’s creation, often! But if that isn’t possible for you at the moment, I pray these photos, with accompanying Scriptures, can be a bit of an online oasis of sorts, where you can draw close to the Lord, and feel the peace, strength and hope which comes from some time away with Him.

I took this sunrise photo in Marquette, MI on the shores of Lake Superior. I stood there watching the sun’s ascent over the horizon for a very long time. I was in awe. What an incredible backdrop for praise and worship. And I couldn’t help but reflect upon God’s faithfulness to me, not just for this moment at the beach, but for a lifetime.

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” -Lamentations 3:22-23)

Sunrise moments are also perfect metaphors new beginnings and the hope they bring. This Scripture came to my heart:

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”-Isaiah 43: 18-19

And finally, the stillness of the early morning hours gives us the perfect opportunity to offer prayers and petitions for ourselves and our loved ones to the One who who created all things by His Word and holds all things in His hands.

"My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.” -John 10:29

For reflection: When have you experienced God’s faithfulness in your life? How does this help you during current difficult times? What is a new thing God is doing in your life? How can I join you in praying for something you or your family is going through?

Amidst a sea of verdant greenery on a flower farm in Imlay City, MI, a burst of vibrant flowers painted the landscape with hues of purple, yellow, orange pink and red—a testament to the extravagant creativity of our God. It felt like a little slice of heaven and yet it also felt like I was “home’. I didn’t want to leave.

With every photo of each flower, I witnessed firsthand God’s detailed handiwork and I couldn’t help but think of the verse from Luke 12: 27-28

“Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!”

Oh how God loves us! And Oh how we can trust Him. He created us, after all, and like the Master Gardener, will provide all we need to we grow and bloom and flourish under His tender care.

For reflection: What is an area of your life in which you are experiencing doubt or worry? Why do you think this is an issue for you? What Scripture/s may help to boost your faith?

An ice-covered surface of a pond or lake beautifully reflects the vibrant colors of the surrounding landscape, creating a scene of serene beauty and tranquility for us, and that’s exactly what I was experiencing and feeling when I took this photo just at sunset in White Lake, MI. Surrounded by this quiet beauty, we can more easily hear the voice of our LORD—speaking peace to our troubled hearts and offering comfort in times of turmoil.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30)

For reflection: Take a moment to tell God exactly what is troubling your heart. Maybe even write it down. Now hear God speaking to you about this situation. What is He saying? What Word is He giving you from His love letter to you, the Bible?