Seeing God in Nature: Finding His Creativity and Character in National Parks
How many of you have ever stood at the edge of a mountain lake or looked up at the sky on a clear, crisp night and felt absolutely small in the best way? Can I tell you something? That feeling – the deep-down sense that you are part of something so much bigger and so much more beautiful – is a reminder of God’s creativity and His careful heart, Finding God in hard times.
In our recent podcast episode, we talked about seeing God in nature through travel to national parks. Traveling with our families, witnessing wide-open spaces, and stepping back from constant noise can wake us up to His presence. But you don’t need to RV across the country to notice what God is saying through creation. Sometimes all it takes is going outside and being still for a few minutes, just watching the way light filters through the leaves, a simple act of spiritual self-care tips for building strength in difficult seasons. Let me share with you a few lessons I have learned about who God is and who we are – just from paying attention to His handiwork around us, Hearing God’s Voice Daily.
What Does Seeing God in Nature Look Like?
Paying Attention to God’s Details
Let me tell you, when you walk through a place like Glacier National Park or stand beside the giant cacti in Saguaro, you can’t help but notice the intentional details. We have seen rock formations that looked like a sculptor designed them, wildflowers that bloom in colors so bright you wonder how they’re even real, and snowy peaks that take your breath away. Every single one of those things points to God’s creative character. He doesn’t do anything halfway.
I remember holding my kids’ hands as we climbed a path in one of those parks, watching their faces when they saw something new, and giving thanks through gratitude practices for healing. You could just see the awe – and isn’t that what happens when we slow down and actually look? God meets us in those moments, Finding God in hard times. His care for everything He has made reminds me of how much care He poured into making us too.
Learning About God’s Character
Here’s the thing. You can learn a lot about who God is just by being outside. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of his hands.” (CSB) You see, creation is God’s way of telling us – without a single word – that He is good, that He is powerful, and that He pays attention to details, finding spiritual renewal in everyday life. When you notice the way waterfalls pour down a cliff or the crazy shapes of stones in Death Valley, it’s a small echo of His wild imagination.
And I’ll be honest, some days I forget to look. I get busy, distracted, or just focused on the next thing on my list. But every time I get outside, seeing God in nature pulls me back to what’s true. He shows off a bit in those moments (if you know what I mean), reminding us just how much He delights in creating good things.
How National Park Adventures Shape Our Faith
Finding Family Closeness Outdoors
You know, traveling in an RV with your family full-time brings out a lot. There are the things that test your patience and the things that bond you like nothing else. But the best part has been how much closer we feel as a family after spending days without Wi-Fi or screens, just being together and seeing God in nature – every single day.
On one trip, we started a hike with lots of complaints. The weather turned cold and wet, and at some point, I was just about done. But when we reached the top, it was worth it. All of a sudden, there was this sense of awe that made all the struggle worth it. I’ve learned God works like that in our everyday lives too. Sometimes the climb is hard. But if we keep going, we catch a glimpse of just how good He really is.
Teaching Kids to Notice God’s Presence
Kids see things adults miss. Every once in a while, on these hikes, one of my kids will say something that completely stops me. Something like, “How did God make all these colors?” or “Why are the mountains so big?” And you know what? They are teaching me to notice, to be amazed again.
We try to ask questions out loud as we walk: Where do you see God today? What do you notice that feels special? Those simple questions really help us point our hearts back to seeing God in nature, even in what seems ordinary.
Why God’s Creativity Matters for Our Everyday Lives
Remembering You Are Created With Care
Let me ask you, how often do you think about the way God made you? We spend so much time talking about trees, lakes, and mountains, but Genesis tells us that God made us in His image. When I look at the care He put into wild places, it reminds me that He put at least that much – and more – into making each of us.
You are designed. You are creative. You have a purpose. Seeing God in nature is a way for me to remember that I am deeply cared for and so are you. It’s not just about seeing something pretty – it’s about trusting that the same hands that made the stars also shaped your heart.
Finding Peace in the Stillness
There’s something about quiet moments in creation that bring peace. Maybe it’s the way water moves or the steady whisper of wind in the trees. Scientists even say being near moving water lowers anxiety. I think God hardwired us to need these things – to need time outside, to need beauty, to need rest. When we step away from the noise and go outside, we are choosing to see God in nature and let His peace reset our hearts.
How Can You See God in Nature Closer to Home?
Making Daily Space for Wonder
You don’t have to buy a plane ticket or drive thousands of miles to pay attention to creation. Let me get practical. Here are some ways you can start seeing God in nature, right where you are:
- Take a walk in your neighborhood and pay attention to flowers, trees, or the way sunlight hits the pavement
- Sit outside for a few minutes after dinner and watch the sunset
- Visit a local park, even for half an hour
- Lay on the grass and watch clouds drift by
- Plant something in your yard or window box and watch it grow
Small steps matter. I promise. Sometimes seeing God in nature is just about setting down your phone and looking up at what’s in front of you.
Finding Community in Outdoor Moments
I have noticed that real connection happens when we unplug. Some of our best memories as a family and in our broader community have happened around campfires, picnic tables, and walking paths. There is something about being outside together that lets walls come down. We remember each other’s stories. We laugh more. We notice what matters. Even hosting a picnic in your backyard can become a way to see God’s goodness and enjoy each other in new ways.
What Can You Take Away from Seeing God in Nature?
God Delights When We Enjoy Him
The chief end of our lives is not to get more done, but to glorify God and enjoy Him. Can I encourage you today? God delights when you delight in what He has made. When you slow down, breathe, and notice – you are worshiping. You are drawing near to the heart of God.
Practical Steps to Practice This Week
If you hear nothing else, hear this. Make space this week to get outside and notice God’s handiwork. Invite your kids, your spouse, or a friend. Get a little dirt on your hands, breathe in fresh air, and let God remind you of His creativity – and of your worth.
- Schedule a walk after dinner one night
- Turn your phone on silent for twenty minutes outdoors
- Ask God to open your eyes to His presence when you step outside
I’d love to hear where you notice seeing God in nature this week. Comment or send a message – let’s encourage each other! If you want even more stories and practical ideas, check out our recent podcast episode "Encountering God in Creation." There’s always more to see, and more to experience when we tune in to what God is already showing us.
Keep watching for God’s fingerprints around you. He is there, in every detail – and so much closer than we know.
