Font size: Medium ![Featured image for Seeing God in Nature: Finding His Creativity and Character in National - Blog article by Jessica DeYoung](https://res.cloudinary.com/guidedsteps/image/upload/w_800,h_800,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto/v1784920642/perspectivesintopractice/blog/seeing-god-in-nature-finding-his-creativity-and-character-in-national-1784920642521.jpg) ![Jessica DeYoung - Author photo](https://res.cloudinary.com/guidedsteps/image/upload/w_48,h_48,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto/v1783725439/users/avatars/mi003p5uewiqh1wks1wr.jpg) Jessica DeYoung July 7, 2025 # Seeing God in Nature: Finding His Creativity and Character in National 8 min read[Testimonies & Faith Stories](/blog/categories/christian-testimonies "View all posts in Testimonies & Faith Stories")[Part of topic: Everyday Practices that Turn Faith into Action](/blog/pillar/everyday-prayer-practices-faith-action "Part of topic: Everyday Practices that Turn Faith into Action") [#Seeing God In Nature](/blog/tags/seeing-god-in-nature)[#God's Creativity](/blog/tags/god's-creativity)[#Faith And Nature](/blog/tags/faith-and-nature)[#National Park Faith Lessons](/blog/tags/national-park-faith-lessons)[#Outdoor Spirituality](/blog/tags/outdoor-spirituality)[#Creation In Nature](/blog/tags/creation-in-nature)[#Spiritual Self-Care](/blog/tags/spiritual-self-care)[#Hearing God's Voice Daily](/blog/tags/hearing-god's-voice-daily)[#Christian Family Outdoors](/blog/tags/christian-family-outdoors) Seeing God in nature is about more than awe. Discover how national park adventures and quiet outdoor moments reveal God’s creativity, care, and presence. Simple steps for finding Him around you. Share This Blog Share article on social media [Share on Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Seeing%20God%20in%20Nature%3A%20Finding%20His%20Creativity%20and%20Character%20in%20National&url=https%3A%2F%2Fperspectivesintopractice.com%2Fblog%2Fseeing-god-in-nature-finding-his-creativity-and-character-in-national)[Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fperspectivesintopractice.com%2Fblog%2Fseeing-god-in-nature-finding-his-creativity-and-character-in-national)[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=Seeing%20God%20in%20Nature%3A%20Finding%20His%20Creativity%20and%20Character%20in%20National%20https%3A%2F%2Fperspectivesintopractice.com%2Fblog%2Fseeing-god-in-nature-finding-his-creativity-and-character-in-national) ## 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 article](/blog/finding-god-in-hard-times-how-grace-and-faith-carry-us-through). Listen: [Walk with God in Creation: Unplug, National Parks,... podcast episode](/podcast/walk-with-god-in-creation-unplug-national-parks-spiritual) In our recent podcast episode, we talked about seeing God in nature through travel to national parks and [hearing God's voice daily article](/blog/hearing-gods-voice-daily-even-in-unexpected-moments-and-ordinary-days). Traveling with our families, witnessing wide-open spaces, and stepping back from constant noise can wake us up to His presence, [trusting God in daily life article](/blog/trusting-god-in-daily-life-builds-faith-and-brings-spiritual-growth). 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 [self-care tips for difficult seasons article](/blog/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 article](/blog/gratitude-practices-for-healing-simple-ways-christian-women-find) and [gratitude daily and experience blessings article](/blog/how-to-practice-gratitude-daily-and-experience-gods-blessings). 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, [small acts of everyday faithfulness article](/blog/faithfulness-in-everyday-life-how-small-acts-shape-gods-greater). 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 [spiritual rebuilding after setbacks article](/blog/spiritual-rebuilding-after-setbacks-simple-steps-for-real-change). He pays attention to details, [finding spiritual renewal in everyday life article](/blog/finding-hope-after-loss-and-discovering-spiritual-renewal-in-everyday). 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, [Christian approach to mental health article](/blog/christian-approach-to-mental-health-walking-in-faith-and-healing). And I’ll be honest, some days I forget to look, but [God's peace in silence article](/blog/when-god-feels-silent-and-your-heart-feels-dry-peace-is-still) remains. 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. ## More from Testimonies & Faith Stories [ ![Featured image for Spiritual Encouragement Through Handwritten Notes: The Unexpected](https://res.cloudinary.com/guidedsteps/image/upload/w_640,h_640,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto/v1784918528/perspectivesintopractice/blog/spiritual-encouragement-through-handwritten-notes-the-unexpected-1784918528250.jpg) Blog article ## Spiritual Encouragement Through Handwritten Notes: The Unexpected Spiritual encouragement through handwritten notes brings hope and community. Discover how small acts of kindness and simple words uplift, heal, and connect us all. 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Read related article: Building Christian Community Support During Adversity: Finding True ](/blog/building-christian-community-support-during-adversity-finding-true) ## Listen to the Episode Walk with God in Creation: Unplug, National Parks, Spiritual Growth Audio player for Walk with God in Creation: Unplug, National Parks, Spiritual Growth Your browser does not support the audio element. [Listen or download audio](https://episodes.castos.com/67919520171485-95710309/2078399/c1e-2wjjwummkqocqw1m8-okmrqd20s9ng-shj7o7.mp3) [View full episode details](/podcast/walk-with-god-in-creation-unplug-national-parks-spiritual)