Sometimes I realize that the gift of peace I find in creation can suddenly become disordered. Instead of letting the beauty of the mountains or the stillness of nature lead me into deeper worship of God, I begin to treat creation itself as the source of what my soul needs: God’s presence. My soul begins longing more for a place than for the presence of the Creator. I seek sanctuary in scenery instead of in Christ. I forget that creation was never meant to replace God—it was meant to point me back to Him.
God has filled this world with HIS goodness, beauty, and wonder.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard.” Psalms 19:1-3
The sky, the mountains, the oceans, and all my favorite places on earth are constantly pointing beyond themselves—to their Creator:
“Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy. For the word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.” Psalms 33:3-5
We experience God’s immense goodness in innumerable daily gifts—sunlight, rain, food, laughter, rest, and beauty that comforts the soul. What is profoundly amazing is that every facet of Creation only exists because God simply—spoke it into being.
“By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.” Psalm 33:6
What an amazingly powerful God we serve! He speaks and all Creation catches His breath. All of Creation reflects the wisdom of a mind so brilliant we cannot comprehend it, and yet—He loves us so much that He chose to die for us. His work is beyond our comprehension.
“O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your possessions.” Psalm 104:24
When we look up into the stars or at the moon, it’s like God’s Divine invitation to catch a glimpse of His glory and praise Him:
“Lift up your eyes on high, and see who has created these things, who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, by the greatness of His might and the strength of His power; not one is missing.” Isaiah 40:26
But the gifts of this earth were never designed to satisfy our soul. Beauty merely stirs our longing. It can’t reconcile us with God. That’s why Jesus died. He paid the price of our reconciliation.
Salvation changes everything.
When we are made alive in Christ through salvation, our soul is restored to what it was created for—relationship with God. Then how we enjoy Creation takes on a whole new dimension. We are alive! We not only physically enjoy God’s goodness outwardly, but we also experience it at the deepest level of our soul. Why? Because the Creator now dwells within us. The Bible says of Jesus:
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” Colossians 1:15-17
Christ, who made the world, is also the One who redeems it and dwells within us. Wrap your mind around that for a moment! Christ lived without sin, died for sinners, and rose again so that we might not only enjoy His gifts, but know God Himself. This is why, once we belong to Christ, we can enjoy His beauty without limitation because our forever is eternally secure in Him. Whether in the mountains or in the midst of the grind, we can experience the beauty of His presence. And enjoying His creation fills our hearts with the desire to worship Him:
“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
Creation is a gift, but Christ is the real treasure. And when the Creator has made us alive through salvation, His presence becomes the most satisfying beauty we know. Whether we’re teaching our children, waiting tables, swinging a hammer, or on a surfboard in the Pacific—God’s presence can reign supreme when He is Lord of our lives!
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for filling this earth with Your goodness and glory. Thank You that creation declares Your power and wisdom. Help me keep You as Lord of my life! I don’t want to live in the foolishness of ungratefulness. Thank You for Jesus Christ, who died and rose again to give me salvation and blessed reconciliation. Help me to enjoy Your gifts with gratitude. Help me to always find my greatest soul-satisfaction by keeping You as my center. May Your presence be my peace and joy wherever You lead me today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
