“When I look to the mountains, I can see you there……”
March 20, 2007
Being outdoors has always been a passion of mine. I can remember as a little kid, every night after dinner, I would go to the window and gaze out at our backyard. Now there wasn’t anything that exciting in our backyard, and especially after years of living in the same house, our backyard pretty much had the same things to look at: A gentle slope, a flower garden, a vegetable garden, a swingset, and a fence that enclosed the whole thing. It wasn’t so much the particulars of our backyard that drew me to the window every night but rather the simple opportunity to reconnect with the outside world.
Being outdoors, has always been about connecting me to something beyond, something greater than me, something I can’t fully grasp. I don’t get that indoors. Inside I am surrounded by things that are disposable, temporary, man made. Outside I see things that are natural, untainted, full of life. As I write this I am reminded of the scripture:
“He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”–Ecclesiastes 3:11.
Eternity! God has planted eternity in my heart! Nature brings me face to face with that longing. In nature I am reminded that there is something greater than me, that is in control of all that is going on around me. In God’s creation, I meet Him in a new and powerful way.
Several years ago, not too long after I became a Christian I heard a song that captured for me this longing of my heart to pursue God outdoors in nature. Here are the words to that song:
“When I look to the mountains, I can see you there. In the wild churning ocean I can feel you there. In the warm summer breeze your voice is in the air, Oh, my lord.”
“You reflect your perfection in the smallest leaf. In your vastness you render time a captured thief. I stand naked before you in amazed belief, oh, my lord.”
“Oh my lord, my creator, you have captured my heart, with a love I can never repay, and I fall to my knees to try to tell you what words could never say”
“Though you hold all creation in your holy hands, though the world is as weightless as a grain of sand, still you told me my name and gave me strength to stand, oh my lord.”
–”When I look to the mountains”, By Randy Stonehill
At Wellspring we invite you to join us by connecting with God through nature. This can be done in many ways, such as relaxing on the shore of a serene lake, taking a walk through a quiet forest, or sitting on your front porch watching the sun go down. Here in Colorado we have the opportunity to hike in the Colorado Rocky Mountains and we would love to have you join us. If you are able to, come with us on one of our summer hiking journeys. Our hikes are specifically designed to help you experience God in a new and powerful way,……. outside…..in nature.
We would love to hear from you especially in how you have connected with God in special ways through nature and the created world. How has God moved you, spoken to you, or expressed His love to you. Feel free to add your comments.
Dave for Wellspring © Copyright 2007
Nature is definitely the answer whenever I need a “tangible” reminder that God is there. It’s amazing to watch flowers grow, to see the colors streaked across the sky at sunset, to stand on the shore at the ocean and watch the waves roll in, to marvel at the way the whole, fragile system works. How else could it all be possible if not for our Creator? Babies are pretty miraculous, too. I can’t fathom that whole process without divine design.
When I climb a massive and intimidating mountain and am reaching the upper sections and look down and find a small little insignificant flower I think of the wonder of God. When I walk on a beach and the waves meet the sand and leave their intricate designs I think of God. When I take a walk along the St. Vrain river near my house and look up and see a bald eagle I am in awe of what God has made.
Ever since the creation of the world His eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things He has made. Romans 1:20
Blessings, scott
I, too, really feel the Lord’s presence when I’m outside–particularly here in the desert. It reminds me of His provision for the Israelites on their way to the Promised Land. I’m amazed at how He makes such a harsh environment so beautiful–especially the sky. Nothing beats a desert sky…
I love thunderstorms, too. They make me consider the Lord’s reign over nature, and His limitless power.