Nature Unveiled: 40 Reflections on Experiencing God's Creation

By Jill Smith and Stacey Barr

Rediscover the wonder and tranquility of God's Creation in Nature Unveiled, a 40-day devotional from author and former forester Jill Smith that explores the beauty and mystery of the natural world and how it points us to the Creator. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dexterity
• Release date: Oct 3, 2023
• ISBN: 9781947297814

Jill Smith

Jill Smith works as a deputy clerk at her county justice center in Kentucky. She served as vice president and corporate head teller for a local banking corporation, where she authored numerous policies and procedures. While at RCA, she worked as an information technology specialist and merchandise data coordinator.

Book preview

REST

SOARING WINGS

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

ISAIAH 40:31

Escaping agendas, deadlines, and the needs of others to focus on God is restorative, and it looks similar to birds that are resting and soaring. Birds that flap their wings become tired—the same is true for us. God did not intend for us to flap constantly and live from our limited abilities. When we are still, we can know His power and operate from His endless strength. Rest refocuses our attention and refuels us for the journey ahead.

Raptors, like eagles, hawks, and vultures, climb hundreds of feet in the sky by riding rising pockets of warm air. For soaring birds to ride this geothermal elevator, they simply need to open their wings and circle the heat source. As birds make their exit, they continue to soar even as gravity pulls them slowly toward Earth. Yet to remain at great heights they must search for another thermal source or flap their wings. Large birds can use this migration strategy on long journeys to conserve energy and reduce time searching for food and water.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

MATTHEW 11:28

In what circumstances do you find yourself more apt to flap than to rest? Have you made rest a priority in your life?

Watching a bird effortlessly circle the sky is beautiful. Though vultures have a bad reputation for being scavengers, they are graceful and beautiful when they soar. They draw the attention of other soaring birds from miles away to join the