Peace in God's Creation

We live in a world that’s constantly moving, buzzing, and growing more hectic by the minute. Technology has connected us in ways we never thought possible, but with this comes the challenge of being disconnected from what truly nourishes our souls—nature, stillness, and more importantly, the presence of God. The more we chase after the world’s distractions, the more we forget how life-changing it can be to simply step outside and reconnect with God's creation.

Now, you may be thinking, “What does nature have to do with God?” Well, let’s take a deep dive into this—because God’s Word speaks loudly about the power and beauty of the natural world, and it’s in this very world that we can find our peace and connection with Him.

First, let’s remind ourselves of the foundational truth: God created, made and formed this world. Every mountain, tree, river, and even the tiniest blade of grass reflects His glory. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handywork.” It’s not just the sky or the stars—it's all of creation that speaks of God’s greatness. When you walk outside, look around, and breathe in the fresh air, you’re literally experiencing God’s handiwork.

In the book of Genesis, when God created the world, He didn’t just make it functional—He made it beautiful. Genesis 1:31 states, “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.” God’s creation wasn’t just a backdrop for humanity; it was a gift. And when we stop to appreciate it, we are reminded of His goodness. Have you ever seen videos of under the sea? Wow!

Have you ever noticed that when you step outside—whether it’s into a garden, a forest, or just a park—you feel a sense of peace wash over you? You breathe deeply, your mind clears, and the worries of the day seem to fade. It’s like God’s creation was made for our restoration. In Matthew 6:28-30, Jesus speaks about how God takes care of the flowers of the field, saying, “And why take thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” Jesus reminds us of the simple beauty around us and how much God cares for His creation. If He cares for the lilies, how much more will He care for you?

Just as the lilies are cared for, so too does God invite us to come to Him for rest. In Matthew 11:28, He says, “Come unto me, all you that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Nature becomes a physical reminder of God’s peace and rest. When we find ourselves burdened by the noise and stress of life, it’s like God is calling us to step outside, breathe deeply, and remember that He holds everything in His hands.

In our fast-paced lives, we can sometimes forget the power of stillness. But if we look at the way Jesus lived, we see that He often withdrew from the crowds to spend time with the Father in quiet places. Luke 5:16 tells us, “And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.” In the wilderness, Jesus didn’t just escape the noise of the world; He connected deeply with the Father. The wilderness and the quiet places of nature were sacred to Him. And they can be sacred to us, too. Whether it’s in a forest, by the ocean, or even in your own backyard, stepping into nature gives us the opportunity to hear God’s still, small voice. Isaiah 30:15 says, “In returning and rest shall you be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.” That strength doesn’t come from the hustle and bustle but from resting in the quiet presence of God. Nature helps us rediscover that stillness.

Taking time to notice the wonders of the natural world also opens our hearts to gratitude. When we observe the beauty of a sunset, the majesty of mountains, or the simple joy of a bird singing, we are reminded of the goodness of our Creator. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Nature becomes the perfect backdrop for this practice of thanksgiving. The more we take in God’s creation, the more we can see His handiwork and give thanks. It's in these moments that we remember how good God is to us. The beauty around us is not random; it’s an intentional gift from a loving Father. And as we connect with nature, we begin to connect more deeply with Him.

But here's the real power of nature—when we open ourselves to its peace, we begin to experience transformation. In nature, we get a glimpse of what life was intended to be—before the rush, the noise, and the clutter of the world took over. Proverbs 3:18 says, “She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaines her.” Wisdom, personified as a tree, invites us to come close, hold on, and experience life in its fullest, most beautiful form. This is what nature does for us—it connects us to life itself and renews our souls.

There’s something about being outdoors, breathing in fresh air, and seeing the magnificence of God's creation that opens our hearts. We start to recognize that the very earth we walk on is not just a random place, but a divine masterpiece designed to draw us closer to God. When we embrace this, we experience healing, rest, and transformation.

We need to stop and appreciate what we have around us. Too often, we take for granted the beauty that God has given us. But today, I challenge you: Step outside and look at the sky. Feel the warmth of the sun. Smell the flowers. Let the peace of nature wash over you and remind you of God’s amazing love and care for you.

Psalm 104:24 says, “O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all: the earth is full of your riches.” The earth is full of riches that God has created just for us—riches of beauty, peace, and connection. When we embrace nature, we embrace the peace that comes from God. We rediscover the quiet moments where we can hear His voice and remember that we are part of something much greater than ourselves. Nature becomes a place not just for physical rest, but for spiritual renewal. It helps us align our hearts with God’s creation, bringing us closer to Him in ways that words alone cannot.

So, the next time you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or disconnected, remember that God’s creation is waiting for you. Step outside, breathe deeply, and remember: in the beauty of nature, you are seeing the handiwork of the Creator, who loves you beyond measure. And as you walk in that beauty, you walk closer to Him.

I hope this message blessed you. If so, please leave a comment. I look forward to hearing from you.

Anna M. C. Hazen 2025