If you ask me, there is no greater joy than basking in the splendor of God’s creation. For 18 years, I lived in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains of Abingdon, Virginia, where fragrant honeysuckle bloomed on lush foliage and spring peepers bellowed evening lullabies. 

I eventually moved to the opposite side of the state to live with my sister in Chesapeake, Virginia. In the eight years I spent away from home, I was grateful for dear friends and a job where I could serve the Lord. Yet, it seemed nothing could compare to the tender intimacy I had experienced with God in my youth. One night in bed, I cried out to God, asking Him to show me the joy of being in creation with my Creator once again. 

It wasn’t long before greater things were in store for me. 

I stayed at a bed and breakfast in my hometown called Nicewonder. At one point, while standing outside of my little cabin, I set my eyes on a breathtaking view. Beyond a sloping field of green was a line of autumn trees that beckoned me to come out and see what adventures awaited. When I began my journey across the wide-open prairie, I lifted my arms and twirled around, completely in awe of my answered prayer. When I reached the summit of a hill, I gasped in delight to find a wooden swing. When I sat down and pushed my legs off the ground, I found myself gliding in the open air while facing mountains that welcomed me back to the home of my childhood.

On another occasion, my sister and I joined a local hiking club in Chesapeake. On one of the trails, our group came across a woodsy landscape covered in crisp golden leaves. My heart sang when our guide led us through the secret wonder of God’s handiwork. 

I later realized that if I had never taken the initial drive from Abingdon to Chesapeake, I would not have known the grandeur of Interstate 81, where all you can see is cerulean mountains standing proudly against rolling green hills. God even blessed me with an opportunity to explore the Irish countryside this summer, so I will discover all the wonders of the Emerald Isle with Him by my side.  

In John 1:29-51, the disciple Philip invited a man named Nathanael to “come and see” what Jesus was all about. Touched by Nathanael’s simple faith, Jesus assured him, “You will see greater things than these.”

Do you have unmet needs? Disappointments? Shattered dreams? Know that God can show you greater things in your present circumstances. Romans 8:18 tells us that the greatest things of this temporary world can never compare to the eternal glory that will be revealed to us in heaven.

Pray with me: Dear Jesus, thank You for giving us the beauty and wonder of Your creation. You know our deepest longings. Please bind up our broken hearts and draw us into a deeper relationship with You. Help us to look forward to that special day when we step into Your glorious kingdom and enjoy an intimacy with You like never before. 

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Scripture is taken from the New King James Version^®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.