Creation

OVERVIEW. For much of the western church, we don’t have a problem hearing God through the Bible, through others, or through the Holy Spirit, when compared to talking about hearing God through creation. And yet the Bible is clear that God’s glory is on display over all the earth! We can practice reflecting upon creation as a witness to God and the truth of the Gospel. Through this, we can see both the nature of God and his relation to us.

PRACTICE.
Take some time to reflect on each of the meditations below. Use the questions below to help you consider, notice, and reflect on what the Lord is highlighting or speaking through each one.

• What attribute of God is highlighted? Or what does this say about God?
• What does this reveal about man in relation?
• Is there anything that stands out to you that prompts a change in you?

MEDITATIONS.

• There are more stars in the universe than grains of sand on the Earth. Astronomers estimate that there are somewhere around 70,000 stars for each individual grain of sand.
• Imagine biting into a ripe juicy piece of fruit - whatever is your favorite - whether a red, warm strawberry that stains the fingers, a juicy peach that drips down your chin, or a fresh picked apple that crunches when you bite into it. Reflect on the flavor, taste, and sensation of eating it.
• A human being is a complex system consisting of billions of cells, molecules, and processes. Multiple fields of science and medicine are devoted to understanding each part. Yet there are still discoveries and mysteries around how our bodies work, learn, and play. Reflect on just a single system of the body - whether your digestive, respiratory, or nervous system. Think about its purpose and interaction in our lives.
• Imagine a storm rolling in over the city. What color and shape are the clouds? Is there thunder or lightning accompanying it? How quickly is it moving? How does the wind and rain feel on your skin? How does it smell? Think about both the power and the nurturing nature of water. 

FURTHER PRACTICE. Make some time to get out in nature, whether a walk or simply sitting still outside to slow down and practice hearing God through creation. This could be anything from walking along the Poudre Trail, visiting a national forest, or watching a sunset. This is more than just using nature as a way to focus our awareness on God.

During this time, try to be aware of what you’re experiencing via all your senses. What is being communicated about God through this experience? What is being communicated about humanity? Is there anything that the Holy Spirit is highlighting in relation to your current life situation or circumstances? End this time thanking God for what he spoke, for his presence, and for his gift through creation.