I never feel as much peace and as near to God as when I’m outdoors in nature. Whether it be a golden sunrise or glorious sunset it’s like God’s own hand touches and warms my heart ushering in an indescribable peace. As I gaze up to the heavens but for just a brief moment, I feel a glimpse of the glory that God has prepared for those who love Him.
A glimpse of God's glory. God make Your face shine upon us.
Creation captures the heart of God.
I recently went on a fishing trip and a visit to one of my favorite nature trails. For me, spending a day outdoors on a brisk fall day is as about as close to heaven on earth as I can get. The ambiance of the leaves falling from the branches, the breeze rustling through the trees, warm browns, vibrant oranges, warm yellows, and deep shades of burgundy and browns give me a tranquil calm and draws me close to the Father's heart.
Being near the river in silence and solitude refreshes my soul and fills me with God's unfailing love.
For thus says the Lord, "Behold, I will extend peace like a river. Isaiah 66:12a
Nature is God's wonderfully made classroom. So much wisdom, love, peace, and presence of God. So much to learn and glean from the work of God's own hand. He speaks loudly if we are just still, aware, and listen.
He will be like a tree planted by rivers of water, that brings forth fruit in its season whose leaf also shall not wither and whatever he does shall prosper. Psalms 1:3
There is beauty to be discovered in every season. Even in times of spiritual drought and discouragement, there is something that remains to give God glory.
The beauty of the leaves have fallen from the tree but one thing remains; the nest that God sustains.
I encourage you to trust God's hand to supply your every need. If He has given us the greatest need, will He not give us the lesser things? "He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him freely give us all things? Romans 8:32
Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable than they? - Matthew 6:26
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." Psalms 91:1-2
Me "hiding" under the shelter of this gorgeous tree. How much more will God who made the heavens and the earth by His great power and outstretched arm hide us. Nothing is too hard for Him.
God’s workmanship never grows old and neither does my astonishment. Yes, seasons change. Just as with life. But we can be confident that there is something to be thankful for in every season but sometimes we miss it by focusing on the problem and not on the One who makes everything beautiful in His time.
The earth is full of the steadfast love of God. To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.
Delight in God's promise:
But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life. ~Jesus
John 4:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:13
