View of the Atlantic ocean from a beach in Ghana. (Photo Credit: Me)
Nature
What do the beach, the sea and the skies mean to you? How do you feel when you are at the beach and you gaze at the sea? How does a spectacular sunrise or sunset make you feel? In enjoying nature, what comes to your mind?
We can associate the beach, the sea and the skies with many things.
Firstly, the beach, the sea and the skies symbolise the beauty of creation by God. When we look at the glorious vastness of the sea, we appreciate God’s omnipresence. Furthermore, when we regard the relentless force of the waves against the shore during a storm, we appreciate God’s omnipotence. Also, when we admire the countless grains of sand on the shore and the numerous stars in the sky, we appreciate God’s provision of abundance in our lives.
The Methodist Hymn Book number 35 by Folliott Sandford Pierpoint expresses the beauty of God’s creation perfectly. The first stanza is as follows:
“For the beauty of the earth,
For the beauty of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies,
Gracious God, to Thee we raise,
This our sacrifice of praise.”
The beach, the sea and the skies also symbolise freedom. As such, their vastness gives us a feeling of unlimited potential and endless possibilities. Thus, we feel at peace with nature and we are emboldened to take up new challenges. Creativity therefore soars.
Sunrise, for its part, fills us with hope. Hope for a new day and hope for the future. Thus, in enjoying nature, we praise the Lord and thank Him for all His gifts. This is also beautifully expressed in the first stanza of the Methodist Hymn Book number 29 by George William Conder as follows:
“All things praise Thee, Lord most high;
Heaven and earth and sea and sky,
All were for Thy glory made,
That Thy greatness thus displayed
Should all worship bring to Thee;
All things praise Thee : Lord, may we.”
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