How to Experience God’s Wonder by Enjoying Nature

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” – Matthew 6:28-29 

“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” – Psalm 8:3-4 

“Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.” – Psalm 96:11-12 

“Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds...” – Psalm 148:7-10 

Anytime and anywhere you step outside, you can find God’s wonder through nature. Use these tips to help you discover wonder in nature.: 

Visit different types of natural landscapes. As often as possible, plan to visit diverse kinds of natural settings: forests, deserts, prairies, mountains, oceans, lakes, and more. Plan to visit in all four seasons, at both day and night, in a variety of places. Explore your local area, and take trips to explore other regions when you can. The more you explore, the more you can learn about distinctive wonders God has created around the world.

Incorporate nature into your conversations with God. Go outside in nature to communicate with God. When you can, plan to pray and meditate in nature. That can be as simple as enjoying devotional time in your backyard, or going on a nature walk with God in a local park.

Learn more about God’s qualities from nature’s qualities. Pay attention to specific aspects of nature – such as the sun, water, rocks, trees, and flowers – and consider how they each reflect God’s glory. As you consider what those parts of God’s creation can teach you about God, you’ll naturally be inspired with awe. Let the awe you feel motivate you to worship God and care for creation well.

Learn more in my book Wake Up to Wonder about how you can find wonder while enjoying nature.

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Ray Hennessy 

Whitney Hopler helps people discover God's wonder and experience awe. She is the author of several books, including the nonfiction books Wake Up to Wonder and Wonder Through the Year: A Daily Devotional for Every Year, and the young adult novel Dream Factory. Whitney has served as an editor at leading media organizations, including Crosswalk.com, The Salvation Army USA’s national publications, and Dotdash.com (where she produced a popular channel on angels and miracles). She currently leads the communications work at George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. Connect with Whitney on her website at www.whitneyhopler.com, on Facebook, and on  X/Twitter.