Seeing God in Nature Finds Awe and Wonder in Everyday Backyard Moments
Can I tell you something that always surprises me? Sometimes, seeing God in nature kicks up right in the smallest patch of my own backyard. I used to think it was about epic mountain views and those postcard beaches. But here’s the thing. God’s fingerprint is everywhere, from the wild national parks to the patch of grass by your back porch, reminding you of God’s grace in hard times. And that slows me down in the best way. Our recent podcast episode got me thinking about this all over again. So let’s talk about what it’s like to find the awe and wonder of God’s creation, right where you are, even before you plan that next big trip.
How Seeing God in Nature Can Begin Right Where You Are
Let me tell you, seeing God in nature doesn’t start with a packed suitcase. It starts with paying attention to daily moments with God. I remember stepping into my backyard one cool morning, not a grand adventure, just a walk. But in the way the dew glistened on the grass, I stopped and remembered, the God who made those giant mountains also made the tiny ant trails I was watching. Every small detail matters. We don’t have to go somewhere grand to see His glory. Sometimes it’s in slow walks under old trees, or the hush that sits over your neighbor’s garden at sunset.
Maybe you’re in a place where you can’t get away to wide-open spaces anytime soon. That’s okay. Seeing God in nature means letting your eyes search for Him in the ordinary. I promise, if you quiet down and breathe in His creation, your backyard starts to look pretty breathtaking. The ordinary moments with God aren’t so ordinary when you remember Who made it.
Letting Wonder Shake Up Our Everyday
Here’s what gets me. When we practice seeing God in nature, our sense of wonder grows. And wonder is a real gift. I see the way my kids spot a ladybug on the fence or make up stories about cloud shapes, and it reminds me of gratitude practices. Awe isn’t just for vacations or bucket-list hikes. It’s for slow Mondays and quiet evenings, for the afternoons that feel a little too normal. God invites us to reach for Him in those small moments, finding purpose in suffering.
- Watch the sunrise or sunset right where you are.
- Notice birdsong as you step out to get the mail.
- Let your children (or yourself) dig in the dirt or plant something new.
- Pause and listen to the wind in the trees before you rush inside, daily habits that build hope.
These are everyday places God meets us. That’s the real secret to deepening relationship with God in nature with open eyes.
Why National Parks Don’t Have a Monopoly on God’s Glory
In our latest podcast, we talked about big adventures - hiking the Grand Canyon or finding yourself in Glacier National Park. And I love those trips. They leave you speechless at the beauty God poured into the world. My friend Tiffany shared stories about her family’s wild cross-country adventures, and I could almost picture those views myself.
But can I be honest? You don’t need a passport or a stamp book to see God showing off in creation. Seeing God in nature is for every zip code. State parks, city trails, or your front lawn. Those all count. The real difference is being willing to look and let yourself be surprised. God didn’t put beauty in only a few places. He scattered it everywhere, right into the rhythm of everyday life for all of us.
Making the Most of What’s Nearby
- Find a local park and notice something new every time you visit.
- Ask your family to pick their favorite tree or rock and watch it change through the seasons.
- Invite friends over for a picnic and listen to the sounds around you.
- Take a walk without your phone and let your mind slow down.
I realized that even the “boring” hikes liven up fast when we actually see what God is doing all around us. And yes, sometimes your kids or even you might not feel it at first. Still, seeing God in nature is about being open to wonder, even when you’re tired or distracted. That’s when He surprises us most.
Growing Closer Together by Being Outside
There’s something about sharing creation with others that runs deep for me. Some of our best memories as a family grew from simple moments outside. We have laughed, gotten messy, and sometimes argued about who saw the biggest cloud shape. None of us are perfect, but seeing God in nature pulls us into togetherness.
I see it when my kids go from dragging their feet on a “boring” walk to racing ahead the minute something new catches their eye. There’s a lesson there for us adults: sometimes, showing up is half the battle, and joy follows when we least expect it. God loves when His people enjoy what He made, together. And don’t miss this. Jesus Himself would step away to pray outdoors, to get quiet and connect with His Father. If the Son of God saw the value in slowing down in creation, surely we can, too.
Simple Ways to Find Connection
- Plan a family walk after dinner (even a short one).
- Share aloud what’s one thing you noticed outside today.
- Invite neighbors for a backyard fire or garden night.
- Keep a nature journal or scrapbook as a family.
All of these build community and give us practice at seeing God in nature, and in each other. We make room for awe - together.
Finding God’s Character Reflected in Every Season
Some days, creation feels loud with God’s love for details. The variety of colors and textures, the way a storm passes and sunlight finds its way back through. I think seeing God in nature opens our hearts to things we may take for granted - His creativity, His care, His power. You see it in giant mountain walls, but also in the tiniest new leaf after winter ends. The Bible says it this way, and it grounds my heart every time:
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of his hands.” (Psalm 19:1, CSB)
This verse was not written by someone who could fly to the far ends of the earth for a perfect view. It was written by someone watching the sky above, knowing God was speaking right there. I wonder how often I forget to look up and let creation preach to me. Seeing God in nature is not about escaping to somewhere “better.” It’s about remembering He is already here, already working in the place where you stand.
Lifting Routine Into Reverence
- Step outside and look at the sky before work or bedtime.
- Thank God out loud for the small things you see.
- Slow down and notice one thing you missed yesterday.
That’s how seeing God in nature can shape every day, not just the special days.
What Happens When We Actually Slow Down?
I get it. Life is busy. Sometimes the last thing we think we need is time to watch the wind in the trees. But here’s what I’ve learned. Slowing down enough for seeing God in nature changes what matters most for me. The world quiets, and stress untangles itself. My mind makes room for gratitude. I feel connected - to God, to others, and to the simple miracle of being here at all.
There’s even science behind it, honestly - stepping outside, being around trees or water, helps lower anxiety and refreshes your soul. But more than that, it’s in those unhurried moments that I start to recognize God’s presence in brand new ways. You don’t have to be perfect at it. You just start by stepping out and opening your eyes.
Putting It Into Practice
- Make it a habit to sit outside a few minutes each day (coffee helps).
- Turn off distractions, even for a bit, to listen and notice.
- Invite someone to join you, even just to watch the sunset.
- Say a simple prayer, "Thank you, God, for what you’ve made today."
If you want to hear more about real stories of seeing God in nature and how it stretches faith, don’t miss our podcast episode where Tiffany and I talk all about our favorite places and experiences. We laugh, get a little honest about family adventures, and reflect on what God keeps teaching us in every season, park, and backyard.
Let’s be people who find awe and wonder wherever we find ourselves today. Let’s look for God’s creativity in the small spaces and let Him remind us, once again, that He’s near, He’s caring, and He delights in our delight. Start small. Step outside. See if you don’t catch a little glimpse of heaven right there.
And, friend, if you found this encouraging, share it with someone who needs a reminder that beauty and the goodness of God are closer than we think. Listen to the full “Perspectives Into Practice” episode for more stories like these. Together, let’s practice seeing God in nature, not just in the wild, but right in our own ordinary, extraordinary backyards.
