READ: PSALM 148

I love getting out in nature and exploring all that God has made. And I’ve always enjoyed traveling and getting to see places and things that are new to me. Over the years, I’ve been able to go to several national parks and see a wide variety of God’s stunning creations. From views of the Atlantic Ocean framed by colorful trees at Acadia National Park in Maine, to gorgeous sunrises over the desert of Death Valley National Park in California, I was amazed by God’s work.

God made this world so varied, each different landscape beautiful in its own way. Just think about the variety of trees alone—from palm trees that grow in desert oases to maple trees that change their colors in the fall. As we behold trees, mountains, and oceans, it’s amazing that we can know the God who made all of it.

God created a stunning world, and we get to live in it. I am so grateful to Him for that. There are many reasons to praise God every day, and one of those reasons is that He made everything—from the deserts to the oceans—and He invites us to delight in His creation with Him! When we get outside and experience all kinds of beautiful things, we can praise the God who crafted them. It’s amazing to see the care He put into making the world, and it’s amazing that we get to enjoy it with Him. • Bethany Acker

• Have you ever had an experience in nature where you were more aware of God? What was it like?

• The Creator of everything wants to be in relationship with us (Acts 17:22-31). That’s why Jesus came—He died and rose again so that we could know the One who made the deserts, the oceans, the trees…and us. When we know God personally through Jesus, our experience of nature is even more meaningful. If you have questions about what it means to know Jesus, see our “Know Jesus” page.

Let them praise the name of the LORD, for at his command they were created. Psalm 148:5 (NIV)