Pausing to Acknowledge the Creator - Carla D Burnette

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Children are captivated by the simplest things. Everything is new to them as they discover God’s creation. They recognize and behold aspects of creation that we adults may miss.

The way the sun’s rays light up a body of water so that it sparkles.

The beautiful variations of blue in the sky.

The varieties of clouds – big puffy ones to small slivers.

The astounding colors when the sun sets.

What stunning beauty and creativity!

However, all of this may be familiar to us adults. Since we have viewed it before, we no longer notice the beauty around us. We get preoccupied in the mundane routine of taking care of our families and going to work. Or we feel overwhelmed by problems we may be facing. Our focus is torn between so many things that we fail to observe nature before us, causing a loss of wonder for creation.

In contrast, children do not have such commitments to family and work, nor do they experience problems of the same magnitude. They are mostly carefree and have extra time to explore nature. Although we adults may have less free time, let’s be intentional to turn our focus onto God and appreciate the beauty He created all around us

Childlike Wonder

I admit I truly didn’t notice the beauty of creation until I had kids. My daughters loved going to the zoo to observe all the different kinds of animals, walking on nature trails to examine the varieties of plants and flowers, and staring up at the clouds in the sky to spot animal shapes. All of this awakened the childlike wonder in me.

Scripture tells us in Psalm 19:1-2 (HCSB), “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge.”

What a magnificent and powerful God we serve! We get to enjoy His creation every day. May we truly pause long enough to value it and marvel at the beauty.

Now that my children are all grown up, I walk in my neighborhood and sit in my backyard to experience nature. I listen to the birds chirping and gaze up at the sky, while contemplating on the awesomeness of my God and all He has created for me to enjoy. I acknowledge God, thanking Him for such beauty. When I do, my mind is set on Him, which quiets my soul.

The Creator and Sustainer

Not only is our God the Creator, but He also sustains this entire world, holding all things together.

Colossians 1:16-17 (NIV) tells us, “For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”

Remember the song, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”? Perhaps you sang this song when you were a kid. The words of this song, along with the verses from Colossians 1, remind us of our powerful God. How comforting to know that He holds everything in place.

When we tend to forget how awesome God is, look up and all around at our beautiful world. Take a deep breath of fresh air and contemplate on the all-powerful God who spoke this whole world into existence. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

Ideas to Reflect on God and Creation

To help you reflect on God and His creation, consider the following ideas:

Appreciate the different seasons: pure white snow glistening in the sun; green leaves turning into radiant reds, brilliant oranges, and vibrant yellows; signs of new life in blossoming flowers and budding trees.
Spend an afternoon at a park walking on trails. Notice all the diverse forms of life around you from tiny insects to towering trees.
Go for a drive to a body of water, even a small stream or creek. Find rest by the peaceful waters.
Watch the sunrise or sunset. Be in awe over the magnificent display of eye-catching colors.
Learn the constellations. Lie supine in your backyard gazing at the vast night sky. Locate the Big Dipper among the numerous stars the Creator knows by name.

On days when you have more time, use it to observe all that is around you. Other days, spend a couple minutes. No matter how much time you have, acknowledge the Creator and be still before Him.

Let’s not miss out on the beauty He places before us.

Father, thank You for creating this beautiful world for us to enjoy. Help us to take the time to appreciate all You have made and to remember You as the all-powerful Creator and Sustainer of all things. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Comment below:

How do you enjoy creation?
What aspect of creation do you love most?

Additional Scripture References:

Romans 1:20 (ESV) “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.”

Psalm 46:10 (ESV) “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”