“One thing I have desired of the Lord, That I will seek; That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.” Psalms 27:4

King David was a “man after God’s own heart”.  We can read David’s Psalm above and embrace his desire to be close to the Lord. We can feel his joy at being near to God. And we can desire the same relationship for ourselves. I love to be outside in God’s creation, in His “temple”. I feel closest to God in the natural world He created for us. I am still, and listen, and observe, and touch, and experience creation.

One of my favorite quotes is by John Muir. He thrived on being outdoors! (John Muir was a naturalist and considered the “Father of the National Parks”.)

Everybody needs beauty

As well as bread,

Places to play in

And pray in,

Where nature may heal

And give strength

To body and soul alike.

 

I find the beauty of God in the beauty of His created world. As I walk through the woods, I am awestruck by the amazing beauty in even the smallest details of leaves and bark. As I lay back and consider the endless blue sky, I wonder at the beauty of heaven. As I wade into a pond and feel the cool mud between my toes, I feel the beauty of the textures of creation. As I gaze at a star-filled canopy, I absorb the immense beauty of God’s greatness.

The Beauty of The Lord …

Is in the strong oak trees, veined leaves and arching limbs touching heaven.

Is in the rocky waterfall, tumbling cascades and splashes falling to God’s earth.

Is in the curve and colors of a rainbow, promising God’s protection to all the world.

Is in the cool, soft breeze, blowing leaves and brushing my face with God’s gentle touch.

Is in the dark, billowing clouds, bringing welcome rain to water all of God’s living creations.

Is in the smiling face of a friend, bringing comfort and companionship and God’s love.

Is in the thankful prayer, raised to God, praising Him in His temple, His created world.

 

This week just take a moment to seek the Lord in His “temple”, in “big” church. Find the beauty of the Lord in the beauty of His world. Thank you, God, for the beauty of your creation! Where do you find God’s beauty?

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this week to discover the beauty of the Lord.