STEP NINE

Go Outside

What does nature have to do with getting to know God? God tells us in the Bible that he’s given us tons of clues about who he is and what he’s like in nature.

For example, like Psalm 19:1 tell us, the painted skies tell us something about God’s beauty and creativity.

Here’s another example. There are a couple of beautiful verses in the book of Luke that say this: “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!” (Luke 12:27-28 NIV).

In other words, wildflowers tell us something about our Heavenly Father! When you see the beauty of a wildflower, you are looking at evidence of God’s care. He does not have to make things beautiful, but he dresses even the flowers hidden on mountainsides in splendor—flowers that so quickly die and may seem not to matter! He takes care of every little piece of creation. He’s attentive, gentle, thoughtful.

Because Jesus has mended our relationship with God, we now know our Creator as our own Father! His creation tells us all about him. We can get to know our Father by taking notice of his creation.

BIBLE STUDY

Romans 1:21

For his [God] invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

(English Standard Version)

 Psalm 19:1-4

The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known.
They speak without a sound or word;
their voice is never heard.
Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
and their words to all the world.

(New Living Translation)

ACTION STEP

Take Step Nine

1. Do you like flowers? Do you love to hike? Do you enjoy dancing in the rain? Choose something in nature to look closely at outside.
2. Then, ask yourself, What does this tell me about my Heavenly Father?
3. Then remember. Draw a picture, take a photo, tell a friend about your experience, or do something to help you remember what you learned about your Father through his creation.
4. Here’s a beautiful song written by Clay Finnesand, about what he learned about his Heavenly Father by looking at wildflowers. He realized that he has no reason to be anxious because if God cares for the flowers, how much more will God care for his needs. Check out “Wildflower.”