By: Pastor Jarren Rogers

“The course of Nature is the art of God” – Edward Young

I don’t know why it was any different. It must be the fall season. But, as I walked outside this morning, I was struck by God’s creation. The trees were turning various shades of red and orange mimicking the glowing splash of color that spilled across the sky. The moon was a faint streak of white, being rushed away as the sun peaked through the clouds, bathing the earth with careful light. The crisp morning air filled my lungs and was crowded with scents of trees and grass and the coming rain.

I took a second and said a silent prayer. “Wow, God. You created this. You are truly amazing.”

Are you ever taken aback by the beauty of the world that God has created? Maybe it’s just me, but sometimes I’m caught off guard by the creation around me. To me, the majesty of the Earth shows us just how much our God loves us. He loves us enough to allow us the pleasure of living here and being the stewards of His creation.

Annie and I were struggling to find a new show to begin watching on Netflix. Finally, we settled on Planet Earth II. We didn’t have high expectations going in, but in the end, that show blew our minds. We were floored by the intricate strands that thread God’s creation. We watched episode after episode and found ourselves amazed by the complexity of nature.

We found ourselves fascinated by creation. We were convinced that there was no way that all of that happened by accident. All of creation had to have been made by a loving, creative God. There’s no doubt about it.

“Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God’s wonders. Do you know how God controls the clouds and makes his lightning flash? Do you know how the clouds hang poised, those wonders of him who has perfect knowledge?” (Job 37:14-16).

Just as Job is instructed, I believe that we all have to take the time to stop and consider God’s wonders. Do you ever take a second to breathe the fresh, outside air and thank God for His creation? Do you ever take a walk and enjoy that which God has created?

I think that spending time in nature invites a special form of worship. When partaking of the earth, it is impossible to deny God’s sovereignty and His goodness.

Look at the sunset and worship God for another day. Wonder at the mountains and praise God for His goodness. Take in the fields and thank God for His abundance. Breathe in the autumn air and be grateful for God’s gift of another breath.

Parents: Take your kids outside this weekend. Praise God together for the beauty of His creation.