{Today I'm sharing at Momma Theologians; you'll find my full article here}
Sitting on the deck, enjoying the warmth of a campfire, gazing across the frozen lake where pine trees line the horizon —Whether it’s a cabin in the woods or along the dirt road on the prairies near my home, I’ve always felt the nearness of God’s presence when I’m surrounded by His creation.
The beauty of nature and the sustaining power of the Lord’s hand over it all are a wonder to me. Hiking through the woods, my children discover shapes of leaves, colors of tree bark and the songs of the birds. The sunset is painted with new patterns and colors we notice with curiosity and awe. It’s hard work cultivating a sense of attentiveness to the world around us, but as Mary Oliver reminds us, we first need to pay attention in order to be astonished.
The wonders of the Creator are not hidden. His power and majesty are made plain for all to see. This is one way God has revealed himself, called general revelation. J.I. Packer writes, “general revelation is so called because everyone receives it, just by virtue of being alive in God’s world.” [1] This is an echo of Romans 1:20, “for his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.”
Undeniably, God’s presence and power are put on display in the world for our eyes to see, our ears to hear, our hands to touch and our mouths to taste. What a gift from the Lord to interact with what he’s made and to be daily reminded of his presence!...
...continue reading HERE.