How I know God lives- Nature (part 1)

Many times I have been asked the question, "How do you really know that God lives? What evidence do you have?"

 I have spent a lot of time thinking about that, how do I really know for myself that I have a Father in Heaven? I'd like to share one reason today how I know God lives.

One evidence of our Heavenly Father's existence is this beautiful world we live in.  “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” (Psalms 19:1) I can remember distinct impressions from the Holy Spirit as I watched the sun set over the Potomac River, feeling so small in comparison to the great cliffs of Lake Powell, and feeling inspired as I walked through green grass. Surely these grand details that fill our lives were created by our Heavenly Father.  An ancient prophet declared: “All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth... and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator” ( Alma 30:44).

Elder Ballard has said, "To truly reverence the Creator, we must appreciate his creations. We need to plan to take time to observe the marvels of nature. Today, we can easily become surrounded by brick buildings and asphalt surfaces that shelter us from real life around us. Plan to share with your family the miracle of buds changing to fragrant blossoms. Take time to sit on a hillside and feel the tranquillity of the evening when the sun casts its last golden glow over the horizon. Take time to smell the roses."

  As I have seen these beautiful mountains, rivers, and sunsets the Holy Spirit has testified to of their divine origin. Something else that is evident to me is how close I feel to Heavenly Father when I am in His creations. I have had tender moments as I have kneeled to pray in a field of grass, and I received answers to the my prayers as I have hiked a mountain trail. The Spirit seems so present as I am in nature. This feeling has helped me to know that Joseph Smith is the prophet of the restoration because I too know that spiritual experiences can take place in a grove of trees. 

I know an attribute of our Heavenly Father is love. Isn't it a tender thought to think that Heavenly Father created a beautiful world so that we might find joy in our surroundings? He wants to be happy, to experience beauty, and to find joy in our Earthly home. 

I know that God lives. I know that the Earth, and all the creations are evidence of his existence. I too know that how I feel in nature, and in His creations is an evidence of His power and existence. As I see the beauty of a setting sun, the details of petals, and ponder the complexity of all of His creations, I feel His love and know He is near. 




"When thru the woods and forest glades I wander,

And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,

When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur

And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze,

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee,

How great thou art! How great thou art!"