I spend as much time as I can hiking because the beauty of creation is one powerful way God nourishes my soul. A sunrise over the mountains, the rhythm of waves on the shore, the hush of a forest trail—these stir something deep within us. We long for beauty. Indeed, we were created to experience it because we were created in the image of God. He is not only the Author of beauty but He also is beautiful. The Bible describes it:
“One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.” Psalms 27:4
“His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of His praise. His brightness was like the light; He had rays flashing from His hand, And there His power was hidden.” Habakkuk 3:3-4
“You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” Revelation 4:11
Beauty is perceived through our five physical senses. But when we are born again, we can experience beauty that transcends the physical realm. Our born again soul and spirit can experience supernatural beauty! The Psalmist was inspired to write of the connection between the beauty and majesty our physical senses observe and how it causes our soul to experience the presence of God:
“Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty, Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain.
O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your possessions—This great and wide sea, in which are innumerable teeming things, living things both small and great. There the ships sail about; there is that Leviathan which You have made to play there.
These all wait for You, that You may give them their food in due season. What You give them they gather in; You open Your hand, they are filled with good. You hide Your face, they are troubled; You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; and You renew the face of the earth.
May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in His works. He looks on the earth, and it trembles; He touches the hills, and they smoke.
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the Lord.”
Psalm 104:1–2, 24–34
Creation nourishes us because it reflects our Creator. When we stand before something breathtaking, we are refreshed—not because trees or oceans have power in themselves, but because they glorify the God who made them.
If indirect glimpses of God’s beauty can calm our soul, how much more will His direct presence nourish us?
Our culture spends enormous amounts of time and money trying to manufacture beauty. Billions are spent each year on cosmetics, surgeries, diets, gym memberships, fashion, and appearance. We pursue flawless skin, perfect bodies, and curated images on social media. Yet outward beauty, no matter how polished, cannot feed a hungry soul. The man whose muscles bulge but whose heart is empty does not invite—he intimidates. The woman with perfect features but a restless, competitive attitude does not nourish—she exhausts. All the money in the world cannot purchase the kind of beauty that satisfies our soul.
Beauty from God runs deeper—and it is priceless and satisfying.
True beauty flows from a life surrendered to Christ. When we are born again and allow God to shape our hearts, He begins to produce in us a kind of beauty that no mirror, makeup, workout, or money can create. The Bible describes that inner beauty in unmistakable terms:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” Galatians 5:22–23
Every single one of these qualities is something every human longs for. Is there anything more beautiful than genuine love? Anything more refreshing than real joy? Anything more comforting than true peace? Who does not desire to be around someone who is patient instead of pushy; kind instead of critical; gentle instead of harsh; faithful instead of fickle; and self-controlled instead of unstable? These are not outward religious traits—they are the very characteristics that flow from the nature of God. This kind of beauty gives us a platform for the Gospel because it invites people. This beauty invites value and the opportunity to have real identity.
Most importantly, this kind of beauty leads others to Jesus.
This beauty nourishes both our own heart and the hearts of those around us. When we spend time in God’s presence, these qualities begin to flow out of us in practical ways. A heart filled with God’s love listens more patiently. A person filled with peace is unmistakably attractive. Gentleness welcomes people instead of turning them away. God’s beauty cannot be bought or faked—it can only be grown in the presence of Christ.
And unlike physical beauty, it does not fade with age; it becomes deeper and richer the longer we walk with God.
The Bible reminds us where this true beauty comes from:
“For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.” Psalm 96:5–6
From the sanctuary of God’s beauty our soul finds rest. As we live in His presence—reading His Word, walking in obedience, loving as He loves—He fills us with a beauty that time cannot steal. Creation reflects the Creator and can only nourish us indirectly. But living in close relationship with Christ nourishes us directly, deeply, and continually. Invite Him in. Fall in love. Find peace. He is waiting.
In God’s presence, our soul becomes a place of strength and supernatural beauty.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the beauty You have placed all around me. Even more, thank You that Your direct presence nourishes me far deeper than anything this world can offer. Forgive me for the time and energy I have wasted chasing outward beauty while neglecting the inner beauty that comes only from walking with You. Draw me closer. Shape my character to reflect the fruit of Your Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Let my life become a place where others find comfort, hope, and refreshment because Your Spirit is at work within me. Teach me to live each day in joyful obedience so that the beauty of Christ shines through all I do. May my soul be continually renewed in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
