The first week of my sabbatical was spent with a deep dive into nature — Five days alone with God, reflecting on the colors, contours, and beauty of his creative work. From the mountains of southern Colorado to the canyons of northern Arizona to the forests and beaches of California … God reveals himself as the greatest artist in the universe.
God’s Sovereign Care
They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful works” (Psalm 145:5).
God loves to build and shape and paint. His creation reveals his power and glory and majesty (Rom. 1:20). We can marvel at his work and know that if he cares so much about the smallest bird or the flowers of the field that he will always care for us (Luke 12:24).
The artist cares about her creation. She has invested time and effort and talent into painting her masterpiece. A piece of her is in the work. The creative process connects the creator with his creation. God bent low and breathed life into Adam (Gen. 2:6). Life is precious to God. All life. Including yours.
His creation reveals how much he cares.
Durango-Silverton Train, Colorado
God’s Undescriminating Love
Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing” (Isaiah 40:26).
God loves color. His canvas is the universe and he brings light — light brings color. The infite variety of shapes and sizes and colors of his creative work reveals his love for diversity.
Antelope Canyon, Arizona
God is Beautiful
Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy …” (Psalm 98:8).
Every sunrise and sunset reveals God’s beauty … and his love for beautiful things. He has made you beautiful … he wants to keep re-making you more and more beautiful each day.
Zion National Park, Utah
God is Powerful
Sing for joy, you heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, you earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel” (Isaiah 44:23).
God’s power fills his creation. The trees of the forest sing of his sustaining power. You can marvel at the power of the one who created such a powerful world.
Sequoia National Forest, California
God is Life-Giving
The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters” (Psalm 29:3).
The ancients viewed the oceans as a great mystery — their depths too great to comprehend. Water is life-giving. The God who is over the waters is both greater than her depths, wiser than her mystery, and the source of her life-giving powers.
God gives you life. He gives it generously and abundantly.
Highway 1 Pacific Coast, California
Rejoice and rest in the greatness of the God who created all things!
