I have always felt closest to God when I am alone in the beauty of nature. My most intimate moments with Him have happened when I have been surrounded by His creation.
I remember running around Convict Lake near Mammoth, overwhelmed by the pure serenity of the moment. As I stopped, I became aware of God’s presence. I looked up, and the sky opened, and rays of sunlight shone through the clouds. In that moment, I felt wrapped in God’s warmth, peace, and love. It was clear to me that God’s authority, love, and goodness are reflected in all of his creations. And every storm, bloom, fallen leaf, and ray of sunlight points us to Him. Colossians 1:15-20 highlights Christ’s supremacy; He is not simply part of creation but the Creator of it all. Paul writes, “All things have been created through Him and for Him.” He continues to say that as Creator, Jesus sustains and cares for creation. Through His death, He reconciles all things to Himself.
James Bryan Smith, in The Magnificent Story, shares this truth. He writes that the Bible is a story centered on Jesus Christ. He plays the starring role. He begins as the Creator of all, continues by showing His eternal love through His constant presence, and will ultimately restore all things through His death. The Creator became part of His own story to rescue and renew what He made. Creation’s seasonal and continuous rhythms point to this greater story of Christ. The growth of spring, the abundance of summer, the transformation of fall, and the hardship of winter remind us that He is our Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer. He holds all things together, as Paul writes in Colossians.
The beauty around us points to what God has done and continues to do. Jesus’ sacrifice reconciled humanity to God, restoring our relationship with creation, and began the renewal of all things. While we stand in awe of nature, we should reflect on the truth of Jesus’ story, as it is reflected throughout the Bible, throughout creation, throughout history.
Step outside and witness the grandeur of nature. The grandeur of Jesus. Let every raging fire, cleansing raindrop, powerful wave and wind, and shooting star point back to Him. The One who created it all is the One who holds everything together, and He invites us to know Him, trust Him, and stand in awe of Him.
Claire Williams
Welcome & Executive Coordinator