Being outdoors is a great way to be reminded of God’s presence and His role as creator of the earth. Nature is everywhere. The minute you step outside, you’ll see the sky, maybe a bird or squirrel, trees, and leaves. God created humans with senses that can relate to every aspect of nature — you feel the warmth of the sunshine, smell the beautiful flowers, see a bright blue sky, and hear the birds chirping.
God created everything you see on this earth. Nature reveals the goodness of God, and that concept is made known from Genesis 1:31, which says, “Then God saw everything that he had made, and indeed it was very good.” To show appreciation of God’s creation, here are six fun activities to get you closer to nature and God.
1. Stargaze
Pick a night to have a bonfire and slowly watch the stars appear. Stars were part of God’s handiwork in creating the earth and the universe, and he knows every one of them by name. Genesis 1:16 says that God made both the sun and moon, which are greater lights, and the stars also.
God controls the stars and often uses stars as a visual representation of what he will do. For example, He told Abraham that his descendants would be numbered like the stars of the heavens. God also used stars to represent the 12 tribes of Israel in Genesis 37. Take a moment to look up at the sky and appreciate each star placed there by God’s hand.
2. Appreciate a Storm
Storms are a great way to bring up conversations about God in your home. Some may respond to storms with fear, and others may react with fascination. God is the one who makes the lightning, rain, and thunder. He is in control of the storm, too.
Remember the time that Jesus was in a boat with the disciples when a storm came about? Although the disciples were fearful, Jesus slept right through the storm. They awoke Jesus in fear, and all Jesus had to do was say, “Peace! Be still.”
3. Go for a Hike
Going for a hike is an excellent way to get you closer to nature and God. When you find a trail that meanders through the woods, you’re right in the thick of what God has created. Creatures as tiny as ants crawl along branches, massive trees provide shade, and deer show the calmness of the forest.
You’ll experience nature and God in this setting. It’s a great way to use all of your senses and appreciate what God has given you. You can be more at peace and use the time to reflect on God’s goodness in your life.
4. Spend a Day on the Water
Whether you spend a day kayaking on the river or splashing around in the ocean, you can use the time to get closer to God and nature. It’s a great opportunity to slow down and connect with God. He created all of the waters and the creatures living in the water.
Use this opportunity to think about how God parted the sea for Moses to cross and how Jesus was baptized (and baptized others) in the Jordan River. Often, the Bible uses water as a symbol of faith, provision, and salvation.
5. Plant Seeds and Watch Them Grow
Another fun activity to get you closer to nature and God is to plant some seeds or even a full garden. You spend time tilling the ground and planting seeds. You care for something you can’t even see yet, but you have faith that a tiny green stem will begin to sprout.
The same is true with God and how you have faith in Him. You can’t see him, yet you trust that He will produce good fruit in your life. God has patience and joy when He is molding and growing you. There are so many biblical references to gardening, too, like the Garden of Eden, the mustard seed, and how Jesus is the vine.
6. Keep a Nature Journal
Finally, begin keeping a nature journal alongside the journal you use for Bible studies and prayers. Each day, take a moment to appreciate something that God has done in nature, whether it’s for creating healthy foods you can eat or providing you with a great view of a sunrise or sunset.
Nature journaling provides quiet time between you, God, and His creation. Write about what you see, hear, smell, and feel. Look at all of the details God has put into your life and nature. This will bring you closer to His presence and to the environment He created.
Be Stewards of the Earth
God tells Adam and Eve in Genesis 1:28 to “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” God has commanded humankind to be stewards of the earth. Take care of His creation.
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