Though another cold spell (down to 33 degrees!) just moved through our area, spring is still evident everywhere. Small leaves on tree and bush have quickly grown into verdant foliage. Flowers bloom in dazzling colors, and birds happily twitter nonstop. I’m captivated again by the beauty and grandeur of nature, especially as the earth reawakens from winter.
Just being outdoors surrounded by God’s splendor can increase our awareness of him. His attributes are on grand display every day, in every corner of our planet. For example, we see confirmation of:
His glory – God’s magnificence is personified in the splendor of sweeping prairie vistas, the majesty of mountains, and the vastness of oceans.
(Cook’s Inlet, Alaska)
His power – Who else could create innumerable galaxies of stars, planets, and moons, then place them over light years of endless space?
His holiness – God is perfect; his works are perfect. Evidence abounds in the exact count of petals on a buttercup (It’s always five), the ever-changing hues of a sunset sky, and on the rainbow wings of a Fire Clipper butterfly.
His grace – God keeps Planet Earth in a state of perpetual renewal as the sun provides energy, rain supplies hydration, flora and fauna exchange carbon dioxide and oxygen.
His wisdom – Unlike most substances, water expands when frozen, increasing its volume. As a result, ice floats. Imagine what would happen if glaciers sunk to the ocean floor. Sea water would have chilled dramatically a long time ago and cooled the planet. Life would have been unsustainable.
His ability to work wonders – God made creatures that morph in astounding ways: caterpillars become butterflies, tadpoles turn into frogs, and newborn kangaroos, no more than pink blobs the size of bees, transform into two hundred pound adults.
His goodness – Our world abounds with countless plants and animals in various shapes, colors, textures, and more. Such diversity is surely not necessary for our survival. Wouldn’t a world in shades of gray suffice? Wouldn’t bread and water keep us alive? But God sees fit to bless us with the delight of variety.
His orderliness — God has designed entire ecosystems so precisely that every organism is perfectly provided for in a methodic, rhythmic cycle.
His creativity – Planet Earth is home to at least 9,000 species of birds, 15,000 different kinds of mammals, 27,000 types of fish, 400,000 different sorts of flowers, and 900,000 species of insects. Each one is unique.
(Rainbow Leaf Beetle)
The scope of creation is so vast, the most detailed descriptors only skim the surface of its marvels. Everywhere we look—into the deepest recesses of space with a telescope, or into the minutia placed under a microscope, we see intricacy, precision, and complexity.
(Microbe Organism)
* * * * * * * * *
The earth is full of your riches, O God. Day and night the visible things of creation silently shout the unspoken truth that you are the all-powerful, ever faithful, and perfectly wise God. Lead me, I pray, to experience your world with the eyes of worship.
Psalm 104:24 ASV; Romans 1:20; Grace Notes by Philip Yancey, p. 165.
What additional evidence of God’s attributes do you see in creation? Please share in the comments section below!
(Photo credits: www.pixabay.com; http://www.maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com; http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.youtube.com; http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.pinterest.com.)
From the Inside Out 
lovely piece, Nancy. I love spring. I feel alive this time of year and more energetic as the earth wakes up from its cold slumber. Have a great weekend!
Thank you, Jean. I agree about feeling more energetic this time of year. (The same phenomenon happens when summer heat and humidity finally trade places with autumn cool and dry!) Happy weekend to you too. May you enjoy a delightful Mother’s Day!
Beautiful post, Nancy. I was thinking about Romans 1:20 as I was reading. I saw that butterfly and thought, how could anyone look at nature’s beauty and not believe in a designer? Yet, I am ashamed to think I was once one of these people. Now, I just sit in my yard and listen to the birds singing and look at the beauty of nature, and I just start praising God in my heart. He is amazing.
Thank you, Bill. I agree: to really look at nature’s beauty is to conclude there HAS to be a Master Designer. And to listen and look with the eyes and ears of faith compels the heart to joy-filled worship!
Just came in from the kickin back in the yard, after being in my cave all week, the sun and gentle breeze felt like heaven. Have a great weekend.
Beautiful day here, too. As for a great weekend: between Mother’s Day gifts, cards, and dinners, it doesn’t get any better than this!!
What a remarkable round up Nancy. You’ve found some stunning photos as a testimony to God’s creation. I’ve nothing to add, just a note about how surprised I am each year when Spring shows up–as if all of God’s glory was asleep and on its own timeclock 🙂
Thank you, Jody. Your observation of Spring showing up like clockwork each year makes me think of God’s faithfulness. You did add something after all!
Thank you for this remarkable reminder of God’s magnificent attributes and all of the beauty to be found everywhere we look! I loved the pictures!
HI Kathy,
So awesome. I’m sure you’ve seen Louie Gigglio’s video ,”How Great Thou Art?” Great video and don’t forget what Laminin does for all creation and what it looks like.
Thank you. This was great.
Gary
Thank you, Gary. I have not seen Gigglio’s video. I’ll have to check it out on You Tube. Thank you for the tip!
The word/picture combination is perfect, Nancy. I want spend some time visiting that cool green forest of a microbe!
Isn’t that an amazing photograph?! The complexity of pattern and design are mind-boggling. Love your metaphor of a cool green forest!
Enjoyed your comments and pictures…Thanks for posting!
And thank you, Samuel, for taking the time to comment!
God is truly awesome indeed!
Couldn’t agree more, Jason!