Did you know that the estimated amount of animal species is 8.7 million, tree species is over 60,000, and plant species is over 350,000? Those numbers are unfathomable to my mind. Furthermore, these numbers are only species and not even the different types within the species!
Hiking in nature is one of my favorite past times. I love seeing the beauty of wildflowers, the might of trees, and the power of flowing water. I also enjoy seeing animals like bears (from afar, please), squirrels, and the occasional deer who run across my path.
While thanking God for the beauty surrounding my hike I was struck by how kind it was for God to create so much variety for us to enjoy. He could have created only a few animals, plants, and trees; instead, he created thousands and millions and made them different within their species. He created beauty from nothing with only his words; for us.
The Earth Was Given to Mankind
Psalm 115:16 states: the highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to mankind. The earth is our habitation, our temporary home, and God wanted us to have beauty to enjoy. Do you know what is even more amazing? This lovely world we live in is sin-stained. Even in a messed-up world, there is so much wonder and beauty. Think about the fact that death was never supposed to be a reality for this earth, yet trees in the winter hold their own type of beauty. God, in his infinite wisdom, knew death would enter, so he made a plan to maintain beauty for us.
The Heavens Declare His Glory
The other night, as I watched the sunset for the evening, I was overwhelmed by how awesome; and creative God is. All creation shouts of his creativity and greatness. He could have had the sun come up and go down with no pomp or ceremony. But instead, every day, the sun rises and sets with a great display of color. He starts each day for us with this offer of beauty. David said it well in Psalm 19:1, the heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
The Earth Shouts there is a Creator
Romans 1:20 states, For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made so that people are without excuse.
How anyone can deny there is a creator is beyond me. The complexity of every living thing is AMAZING. The beauty of creation is intentional and stunning. Nothing about this earth could have just happened; instead, God created it with intentionality.
The closer I draw to God, the more I can see him all around me. People choose to be blind, but if they think about the complexity of the human body alone, there is no way they could believe there isn’t a God. Every part of creation exclaims his glory and power.
For this reason and many more, God deserves praise. So, the next time you step outside or look at another human, notice his touch. Thank him for the wonder surrounding us and the love he poured into every part of his creation.
Referenced Verses:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+115%3A16&version=ESVhttps://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+19%3A1&version=ESVhttps://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+1%3A20&version=ESV
Randall Freeman says
Enjoyed your blog my friend!
carrie says
Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂