The Far BankSample

It’s All a Gift

“I feel so close to God when I’m outside!” Hank declared, arms raised toward the sunset.
I had just met Hank earlier that day, and we’d spent the afternoon fishing together on a picturesque fall day. As the sun set, the sky burst into shades of red, orange, and gold. We all marveled at the beauty, but Hank’s words stuck with me. He wasn’t alone in feeling connected to God in nature.

Why is it that outdoor experiences, especially near water or in wild, rugged landscapes, make us feel so close to God? Paul explains in Romans 1:20: “God’s 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.” Creation itself reveals God’s nature—His power, His beauty, His design. It’s no wonder that wild, undeveloped places stir a sense of awe.

In these places, nothing artificial blocks our view of God’s majesty. Whether it’s a mountain, a lake, or a sunset, we are reminded of the Creator’s vastness. These moments humble us, helping us recognize how small we are compared to the One who made it all. As Ken Myers says, “Creation is a gift, and the proper posture of creatures is always one of gratitude.”

God didn’t need to create anything. He didn’t need fish, rivers, or even us. Everything we experience—every sunset, every ripple on the water—is a gift. God created these things not out of necessity but out of generosity.

The next time you find yourself in awe of the outdoors, remember: God’s creation is a gift, and our proper response is gratitude.

Reflective Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the beauty of Your creation, a reminder of Your infinite power and love. Help me to recognize everything in my life as a gift from You. Fill me with a heart of gratitude, and help me see Your presence in all things, big and small. Amen.

This plan is presented to you by The Far Bank by Zeke Pipher. To learn more about this book, please click here.