By God’s grace, I recently completed the Dogwood Canyon 50k—a course known for its steep climbs, rugged paths, and the breathtaking scenery of God’s creation. Yet the race itself wasn’t the highlight. Before we ever stepped onto the trail, I had the privilege of sharing a message at the worship service before the race. This is the same message I want to share with you now.
Creation has a unique way of reminding us who God is. Many of us live our lives surrounded by noise, schedules, and responsibilities, far from the quiet places where His handiwork speaks clearly. We remember the God who created the sun, moon, and stars—but we forget that He also directs streams through mountains, feeds every creature, and weaves the rhythms of nature into perfect harmony.
When we slow down enough to look, we see that creation reflects the heart of its Creator.
Romans 1:20 tells us that God’s invisible qualities—His power and His divine nature—are clearly seen in what He has made. Creation is a classroom, teaching us who God is. One of the qualities it reveals is the sheer goodness of God. Everything He makes, in its purest form, points to His beauty, precision, and worthiness of our praise.
For example, if you ever have the opportunity to walk through Dogwood Canyon, you will notice the water. The streams there carry a striking blue color because the water flows through limestone rich in calcium carbonate. As sunlight hits the microscopic mineral particles suspended in the water, the blue and green wavelengths scatter, giving the streams their radiant turquoise glow. Limestone also filters impurities, producing clarity so pure that the water seems to shine from within. That same water nourishes trout, plants, and entire ecosystems—life flourishing in balance because everything is aligned with the design of the Creator.
Isn’t that a great picture of God’s “invisible qualities?”
He is our Rock, our fortress, and our salvation. And just as limestone purifies the water, God purifies our hearts: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) And like those thriving streams, those who delight in the Lord flourish under His care. “They are like a tree planted by streams of water… whatever they do prospers.” (Psalm 1:1–3)
Creation never stops praising Him—so why should we?
Whether running, walking, or simply stepping outside for a few quiet moments, let the world God made stir your heart to worship. He reveals Himself through the Word and through the world He made, and both invite us to know Him more deeply.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for revealing Yourself in everything You have made. Open our eyes to see Your power, goodness, and creativity in the world around us. Purify our hearts, anchor us in Your truth, and help us flourish like a tree planted by living water. Teach us to walk in awe, in gratitude, and in joyful praise—reflecting Your light in a world that desperately needs You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Melissa Sharp is an ultra runner and running coach who has completed more than 100 marathons and ultra marathons. Melissa has learned how to keep running the race of life for the glory of Christ even though she endured decades of domestic abuse. Melissa is a survivor. Through her daily blog thejoyfilledrunner she inspires others to live in the strength of Christ.
