When was the last time you paused to breathe in fresh air, notice a flower in bloom, or feel grass beneath your feet? As easy or cliché as that sounds, it’s becoming increasingly rare.
According to recent research, young people within the UK are spending most of their time indoors, glued to screens, with little interest to come across the fantastic thing about nature. It’s got so bad that some are apparently staying indoors for days at a time. And even in the event that they do enterprise outdoors, it’s mostly simply to commute. I’ll be honest – I’m guilty of this too.
But what a loss that is! God designed us to enjoy His creation (Genesis 1:29-30; 1 Timothy 6:17). Think of it this fashion: just as parents lovingly prepare a nursery before their child is born, God rigorously prepared the world before placing humanity in it (Genesis 1:1-25; Psalm 8:3-6). Imagine an artist pouring heart and soul right into a masterpiece, only to have people walk past without a lot as a look. How ignored would that artist feel? In a far greater way, how must God feel when His children ignore the world He made for them?
Creation is a living testimony to God’s majestic power and love (Romans 1:20). Psalm 19:1 states, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”
Spending time in nature isn’t wasted time, neither is it some empty ritual. It’s a way of drawing closer to the Creator. The patterns and rhythms of creation reveal God’s character — His creativity (no two birds are alike), His attention to detail (every leaf is uniquely designed), His order (ecosystems working in harmony), and His care (even the smallest creatures are provided for).
No screen, no digital replica, can ever replace the wonder of experiencing creation firsthand. The indisputable fact that He created such a wide ranging world for you and me tells us how deeply treasured we’re in His sight. Jesus reminded us of this in Matthew 6:26: “Look on the birds of the air; they don’t sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not way more useful than they?”
When we pause in God’s creation, we keep in mind that He is Jehovah Jireh – our Provider (Genesis 22:4; Matthew 6:31-32). We are invited to give up our worries, resting in the reality that His grace is enough (1 Peter 5:7; 2 Corinthians 12:9).
When we exchange time outdoors for constant screen time, our souls slowly turn into malnourished. We gain entertainment, yes, but we lose wonder. We gain convenience, but we lose perspective.
I do know life is busy, but habits grow in small steps. Start with just 15–20 minutes outdoors a few times every week. Swap the treadmill for a walk within the park or a hike. Trade one evening of scrolling to observe the sunset or sit within the grass. Slowly, let yourself rediscover the enjoyment of God’s world.
Creation restores us not since it saves us itself, but since it reconnects us with the One who made us.
Our Heavenly Father took His time crafting this masterpiece for us (Genesis 1:1-25). The least we are able to do is give it our attention. He wants us to walk within the garden with Him, to note His fingerprints within the flowers, the rivers, and even the quietness of a starry night.
Believe me – you don’t need to miss out on what He’s painted for you.
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