The Greatest Reality

If we forget — no, when we forget — who God is, what He has done, and who we are in Him and to Him, we put ourselves in great peril. We cannot live well nor arrive at the end of our journey triumphant unless we remember.

Yes, there are many things that help us to remember. But one that constantly surrounds us — if we will have the eyes to see — is nature itself. Creation shouts the glory of the Lord. It speaks of His character, His power, His generosity, His presence. It tells us of God’s beauty, His splendor, His majesty, and His goodness.

I was reminded of this last summer when we spent a week surrounded by the majesty of the Tetons. The deep blue of Jackson Lake holding the gaze of the immovable jagged lines of mountains grand. The otherworldly sounds of bugling elk, varied and haunting, weaving through the air. The magnificent bulls running to chase one another off in their annual challenge of strength. Summer at its zenith like a ripe peach ready to fall. Greens hinting of gold, the last fling of intense summer heat wild in its glory.

Natural beauty is more than a balm. It is a testament. Nature is God’s Pinterest page, reminding us that joy is the greatest reality. That there is beauty that is deep and untouchable. That there are rhythms to nature and tempos to life. Goodness and truth prevail. The promises of God are eternal.

Sitting on our back porch the other morning, looking and listening as the quiet new day began, I was reminded again of all these things. I love the early morning hours. The stillness. The gentle breezes through the aspens. The light feet of a passing curious chipmunk. The flurry of a hummingbird as it wings its way to the feeder. Sunshine. Warmth. Beauty. God speaks through creation. And what does He speak of? Goodness. Presence. Intimacy. Care. Splendor. Strength. Tenderness. Love. Bounty. Magnificence.

The prophet Isaiah wrote, “The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you” (Isa. 55:12 NASB). Of course they will.

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