Christian Songs About Nature For Kids and Adults

Songs that discuss and praise God's creation are always popular. They are useful in nearly every spiritual meeting. But it can be hard to find a good one. Below I have put together a list of my favorite nature songs. I have included links to the lyrics, music (when possible), and a location where you can buy a copy of the song. I have included some especially for kids as these can be very hard to find. If you think of a song I should include please share in the comments below.

Kids Songs (birth to 12+)

Can You Be a Sunbeam?

This song is great for the little kids. It is very repetitive and includes motions to get out the wiggles. It is perfect for Sunday/Sabbath school classes, VBS, and kid specific events. But watch-out, it might get suck in your head!
Lyrics and sheet music along with music audio: Here

Down By The Creekbank

This is a classic song loved by generations of kids. It captures all the things kids love to see in nature from tadpoles to spiders. It has an easy tune that can be learned quickly. It is perfect for making up your own hand motions to represent all the animals. A wagging finger for an earthworm is always fun!
Lyrics: Here
Music audio: Here

God Made Me and All of You

This little ditty is sung to the tune of London Bridges Falling Down and should be familiar to most everyone. It is perfect for the very young kids in cradle roll because it is short. It is easy even if you are not musically inclined. 
Lyrics: Here
Music audio: Here

God Made Me

This song is also short and sweet. It is easy and perfect for the little ones and older kids too. It talks about how God made everything and ends with a thank you to God for making the animals and us. It is also easy to pick up whether you are musically inclined or not. 
Lyrics: Here
Music audio: Here

He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands

This song has a special place in my heart because I remember singing it when I was little. When I grew up I sang it when helping my mom with kids programs too. It is a bit more complex and better for kids that are in grade school. It has a fantastic message that people any age can be reminded of. Plus it has fantastic hand motions!
Lyrics and sheet music: Here
Music audio: Here
Buy song: Here

Jesus Made Me Just Like Him

This song is fun and easy. It is put to the tune of Jesus loves me. So everyone can sing along even without music. You can also simply add the first verse of this song to the song Jesus loves me along with it's many other verses. You can add motions by touching each part of the body as you sing it. Check it out.
Lyrics: Here
Music audio: Here

Seven Days of Creation Song

This is a great song for any Creation themed programs such as VBS. It progresses through creation week touching on all the things made each day. So it has several short verses. It is sung to the tune of “Are You Sleeping Brother John” which means it is an echo song. It is longer than the previous songs but is still easy to learn because it moves at a mellow pace.
Lyrics: Here
Music audio: Here

Our Wonderful World

This is a song you have likely never heard before. It was written by a friend of mine and her friend. I especially like this song because not only does it celebrate God's Creation but also encourages us to take care of that Creation. My friend is a kindergarten teacher and sings this with her class every day just before they go back inside.

                Lyrics
God made our wonderful world.
God made our wonderful world.
He made all the trees the grass and the flowers,
the animals, the fish, and the turtles.

We'll take care of our wonderful world.
We'll take care of our wonderful world.
We'll explore and discover and try to uncover
the wonderful gifts God has given.

Words By Eudora Stevens

All Ages (especially 8+)

As The Deer

This is another all-time favorite. It seems to get better with every passing year. The lyrics are basically plucked right out of a Psalm so it is timeless. It describes our longing for God as a deer thirsts for the cool mountain stream. It makes a great song at home, in church, or around the campfire.
Lyrics: Here
Sheet music: Here
Music audio: Here

God Of Wonders

This great worship song is powerful for conveying the depths of God's creation. It brings us to wonder how he made everything we can see. It is fun and upbeat and perfect for worship in church, summer camp, or anywhere.
Lyrics: Here
Music video: Here
Music chords: Here
Buy song: Here

All Things New

Another great worship song that seems timeless. It conveys a message of renewal as God makes all things new in Creation, including us. It is catchy and popular. It is a great closing song for any worship event.
Lyrics: Here
Music chords: Here
Buy: Here

All Creatures Of Our God And King

This is a great hymn found in hymnals the world over. It has been loved by generations of praising Christians. It is a resounding chorus that asks all nature to praise God along with his people. It is a moving song that speaks to the majesty of our Creator God.
Lyrics: Here
Sheet music: Here
Buy: Here

Spring Has Now Unwrapped The Flowers

Here is a little known song that nevertheless has a deep message. It describes in detail the creative power of our God. It ends with praises lifted to the maker of all we see. It is a wonderful hymn to sing in church or even home.
Lyrics and sheet music: Here
Music chords: Here
Music audio: Here

There are of course numerous other songs that could be included in this list. Both music and nature are great ways through which we can appreciate His marvelous works and praise him. Here is a list of over 100 other hymns and songs that praise God through nature: http://www.hymntime.com/tch/top/nature.htm


Written by David F. Garner

O God, This Precious Earth Thou Gave

 

O God, This Precious Earth Thou Gave 

O God, this precious Earth Thou gave 

To us to hold for Thee; 

Thou gave to us dominion over 

Land and over sea; 

Thou gave us mighty power over 

Creatures great and small; 

The Earth: we are responsible 

For caring for it all. 

But when we look around we find 

Our damage everywhere; 

The robins and the sparrows must 

Fly through polluted air; 

The rolling rivers have become 

Awash with our debris; 

The oceans slowly fill with trash 

Far as the eye can see.

The creatures once so plentiful 

Can scarcely now be seen; 

The forests are depleted now 

That once were strong and green; 

Where fish by hundreds once did swim 

In rivers pure and clear, 

The rivers now are toxic gray, 

And fish do not appear. 

Forgive us, God, for what we did 

 In carelessness and haste; 

We never did intend to cause 

Such damage and such waste; 

So as in sorrow we repent, 

We ask on bended knee 

To give us, God, the strength now to 

Restore the Earth for Thee. 

Amen.

by William E. McGinnis

Photo Credit: aamiraimer via www.pixabay.com

IS NOT THIS THE LAND OF BEAULAH?

IS NOT THIS THE LAND OF BEAULAH? 

Is Not This The Land of Beulah? 

I am dwelling on the mountain, 

Where the golden sunlight gleams, 

O'er a land of wondrous beauty, 

Far exceeds my fondest dreams; 

Where the air is pure, ethereal, 

Laden with the the breath of flowers, 

They are blooming by the fountain, 

'Neath the amaranthine bowers. 

I can see far down the mountain, 

Where I wandered weary years, 

Often hindered in my journey 

By the ghosts of doubts and fears, 

Broken vows and disappointments 

Thickly sprinkled all the way; 

But the Spirit led unerring 

To the land I hold today. 

I am drinking at the fountain, 

Where I ever would abide, 

For I've tasted life's pure river, 

And my soul is satisfied; 

There's no thirsting for life's pleasures, 

Nor adorning rich and gay, 

For I've found a richer treasure, 

One that fadeth not away. 

Tell me not of heavy crosses, 

Nor of burdens hard to bear, 

For I've found this great salvation, 

Makes each burden light appear; 

And I love to follow Jesus, 

Gladly counting all but dross, 

Worldly honors all forsaking 

For the glory of the cross. 

Oh, the cross has wondrous glory! 

Oft I've proved this to be true, 

When I'm in the way so narrow, 

I can see a pathway through; 

And how sweetly Jesus whispers, 

"Take the cross, thou need'st not fear, 

For I've trod the way before thee, 

And the glory lingers near." 

Is not this the Land of Beaulah, 

Blessed, blessed land of light, 

Where the flowers bloom forever, 

And the sun is always bright?

By Anonymous  

Photo Credit: 12019 via www.pixabay.com

The Canticle of Creation

The Canticle of Creation

O Most High, all-powerful, good Lord God,
to you belong praise, glory,
honour and all blessing.
Be praised, my Lord, for all your creation
and especially for our Brother Sun,
who brings us the day and the light;
he is strong and shines magnificently.
O Lord, we think of you when we look at him.
Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Moon,
and for the stars
which you have set shining and lovely
in the heavens.
Be praised, my Lord,
for our Brothers Wind and Air
and every kind of weather
by which you, Lord,
uphold life in all your creatures.
Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Water,
who is very useful to us,
and humble and precious and pure.
Be praised, my Lord, for Brother Fire,
through whom you give us light in the darkness:
he is bright and lively and strong.
Be praised, my Lord,
for Sister Earth, our Mother,
who nourishes us and sustains us,
bringing forth
fruits and vegetables of many kinds
and flowers of many colours.
Be praised, my Lord,
for those who forgive for love of you;
and for those
who bear sickness and weakness
in peace and patience
- you will grant them a crown.
Be praised, my Lord, for our Sister Death,
whom we must all face.
I praise and bless you, Lord,
and I give thanks to you,
and I will serve you in all humility.

by Saint Francis of Assisi

Photo Credit: www.pixabay.com

Nature's Temple

Nature's Temple

I love to ramble
Through bush and bramble
To the heart of God's creation
In secluded hills
Where the world is still
Beyond modern civilization
I feast my eyes
So mesmerized
By this unhindered beauty
Midst bird and tree
Where heart is free
Beyond the call of duty

The hand of God
Has brushed the sod
With emerald, bronze and amber
Since nature's birth
This niche on earth
Remains an untouched chamber
In reverence now
I humbly bow
Within this sanctuary
These wooded halls
Unbarred by walls
Beckon me to tarry

I love to ramble
Through nature's temple
For as I roam its girth
In this solitude
My heart is renewed
In the God of Heaven and earth
With sapphire and jade
It's heaven-made
Unmarred by our progression
I give to Him
My heart of sin
And He makes intercession

 

by Janet Martin 

 

Source: 

https://www.christart.com/poetry/poem4857.htm 

Photo Credit: kareni via www.pixabay.com

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 54: Injustice

Key Verse

"For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of decay into the liberty of the glory of the children of God." Romans 8:20-21 WEB


Lesson

Nature is beautiful. Watch a sunset or go to the ocean. Look up at the stars on a clear night. Smell a colorful flower in spring. Listen to the bird’s chirp in the morning. Hold a baby animal. In all cultures in every age humans have marveled at the beauty of nature. But they have also seen its harshness.

Nature can be bleak and even downright cruel. A child does not have to live long before they experience the unkind parts of nature and life. The prick of a thorn when they pick up a flower, the bite of a bug that seemed harmless. Eventually we all encounter death. Perhaps you have seen a dead animal in the road. Or maybe a favorite pet fish or cat died. All the flowers you pick wither and turn brown.

The longer you live the more unpleasant things you will see in nature. Creatures eating other creatures and other things we don’t often talk about. What are we to make of the harshness we find in nature? You may have experienced a sense of disgust, or even anger at the harsh ways of nature. That is a natural feeling. Death and cruelty often awaken a sense of injustice in us. We realize that something is missing or has gone wrong.

If there is injustice in the world than there must be a level of justice by which we measure injustice. Humans intuitively know that justice must exist because they can recognize injustice. If there is a standard of justice, then there must be someone who set that standard long ago and placed it within the mind of each human being. When we encounter death and cruelty in life we instinctively know that it is not right, it cannot be the end.

Sadly, some grow callus to the death and cruelty in nature. Others begin to think that if it has been this way for so long than maybe it was never any other way. Many people give up hope that all the injustice in the world will be made right. That is understandable. Thankfully there is still hope. The Creator of the universe has stepped in to tell us that death is not the end of the story. He has told us the cause of death and injustice in this world and that it is not the end, there is hope. All the injustice will be made right! Jesus has conquered death! When we encounter cruelty and injustice in nature or anywhere in our lives, we can take hope that someday soon, the Creator will come to restore justice and life!


Questions

How do you feel when you see a dead flower or animal?

Is it OK for us to be sad or even angry when things die?

Why has God allowed injustice and death in the world?

What has God done about the death and injustice in the world?


Other Resources About This Topic

Sermon: God Can You Hear Me? By Pastor William Little


Written by David F. Garner
Photo credit David F. Garner

Creation Museums and Exhibits

Looking for a great place to have an interactive educational experience where you or your students can learn about Creation? Here is a great list of museums and exhibits that bring the science behind the Bible alive! See below to find the one closest location to you.


United States

Creation and Earth History Museum Santee, California, USA

Creation Adventures Museum Arcadia, Florida, USA

Creation Discovery Museum Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA

Northwest Science Museum Nampa, Idaho USA

Heart of America Science Resource Center Haviland, Kansas, USA

Creation Museum and Family Discovery Center Petersburg, Kentucky, USA

The Dinosaur Encounter Brigton, Maine, USA

Boneyard Creation Museum - Broken Bow, Nebraska, USA

Akron Fossils and Science Center Akron, Ohio, USA

Wyatt Museum Cornersville, Tennessee, USA

Discovery Center Abilene, Texas, USA

Creation Evidence Museum - Glen Rose, Texas, USA

Mt Blanco Fossil Museum Lubbock, Texas USA

Museum of Earth History Dallas, Texas USA

Northwest Treasures Mountlake Terrace, WA, USA

7 Wonders Museum Mount St. Helens, Silver Lake WA , USA

Other Countries

Jurassic Ark: Outdoor Creation Museum Australia

Big Valley Creation Science Museum Big Valley, Alberta, Canada

Creation Science Centre Ontario, Canada

Genesis Expo Portsmouth Harbor, United Kingdom

Answers In Genesis Videos: Faith and Science Resource

Where do you go for answers to challenging questions about science and the Bible? The Bible obviously. But sometimes it helps to get answers from people who have made it their career to study these issues. We trust theologians to help us understand spiritual truths, why not Bible-professing scientists on matters of science? While we should never take a person’s word as truth without checking it against the Bible, we can learn a lot from Christian scientists.

Answers In Genesis is an organization that exists to provide Biblical answers to scientific questions. They create fantastic material such as videos and articles as well as more in-depth educational material. You may have heard about this organization in the news because they have been building a life-size Ark encounter. They do much more than that. They actively work to educate Christians on Biblical answers to modern scientific topics. These topics range from evolution, to carbon dating, to biology, archeology, astronomy, the flood, and more.

The articles are a great resource to answer specific questions. They are written by qualified, practicing scientists. The articles can get very technical and way above the average person’s head. But they are usually written so even children can understand the main points. Of all their resources, I like the videos best. They are well made, entertaining, and very educational. The videos are not so technical. They tend to be short and stick to the important points. I like to use them in a group setting to supplement a discussion. I also find them a great resource to share with curious minds. They cover a wide range of topics and most are less than 5 minutes! Check them out here.

Written by David F. Garner

The Case For Christ: Faith and Science Resource

One of my all-time favorite books is The Case For Christ by Lee Strobel. I was required to read it for a class in college at a time when I was questioning my own faith and the existence of God. This book was one of the most influential in my decision to accept Christ as my Savior. Strobel is an excellent author and detailed researcher. This book answered so many of my questions, especially those regarding evidence for the historical Jesus.

Strobel did not stop at presenting the evidence. He sought to help the reader understand the various types of evidence and how they supports the case. The brilliance of this book is its ability to keep the reader’s attention. I did not want to put this book down. It was not dry or dull as one might expect a book on evidence or history to be. If you or someone you know is searching for the truth about Jesus or to deepen their understanding of who He was as a person on earth than check this book out. For those like me who prefer to listen rather than read check out the audiobook version here.

The most exciting part is that Strobel did not stop at writing a book! There is a great study guide to go along with the book for group or personal study. Even better is that in less than one week The Case For Christ movie come out! It will be a recreation of Strobel’s own search into Christ. Check out the trailer below and click the link to get tickets! http://thecaseforchristmovie.com/

This is not the first film though. Strobel made a documentary reviewing the evidence for Christ along with interviews from several leading figures. It is just as intriguing as the book and provides footage of many of the historical items discussed in an entertaining and educational manner. You can watch it free here. Finally, Zondervan published The Case For Christ Study Bible which includes articles and facts inserted directly alongside relevant passages. It is laid out much like an archeological study bible. It is perfect for people like me who grow in their faith through intellectual material to supplement their bible reading.

Written by David F. Garner 

Christian Outdoor Activity Lesson: Design In Nature

Key Text

“The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.” Psalm 111:2 (KJV)

Lesson

Note: This activity comes from the book A Family Guide to Sabbath Nature Activities by Eileen E. Lantry which is highly recommended.


Activity Type:
Experiential


Time:
Duration of your hike or walk.


Goal:
To discover how God used shapes and symmetry in nature to achieve beauty. Teach participants to be observant and admiring of nature. Keep participants engaged during hikes.


Material:
A notebook or scrapbook for each Pencil and colored pencils for sketching. A box or bag for nature items collected. A camera (optional).


Instructions:
This activity can become a staple of your outings. As the author notes, “There is no limit to the possibilities you may achieve… as you awaken an interest in God's magnificent artistry in designs in nature by creative thought, thrilling observation, exciting collecting.”1 This activity is also great for introducing inner city participants to the beauty of nature.

“Set aside at least three pages each in your notebook or scrapbook for the three kinds of lines: 1. Straight lines. 2. Curved lines. 3. The S-curve.”1 As you walk look for examples of these three types of lines in nature. Stop to examine what you see. Focus only on God’s created things. Write down your discoveries, draw them, or photograph them. If possible, collect or preserve specimens (make sure this is permissible in your area, some locations prohibit picking flowers).

Straight Line Examples: 1. Bills of many other birds: hummingbird, kingfisher, 2. Last joint on the legs of most insects, called tarsus. 3. Segments on the long, slender abdomens of dragonflies 4. Center vertical trunk of trees. Curved Line Examples: 1. Blades of grass. 2. Stems of plants. 3. Tails of most animals. The S-Curve: Examples: 1. Necks of herons, swans, and many ducks. 2. A snake in motion. 3. A crawling worm.

This activity can be done with many other shapes as well such as circles, triangles, squares, spheres, crosses, bilateral symmetry, etc. The book contains spiritual applications for these and more! 

Possible Lesson

Spiritual application as stated by the author: “Lines are infinite, endless, stretching on and on. The harmony of the beauty of nature, like the music of a mighty orchestra, stretches on and on like an endless line, giving joy and pleasure. It can illustrate the worldwide progress of the everlasting gospel of Jesus with its limitless outreach. Like a straight line there is no end. Then in another sense straight lines often determine limits or boundaries. God commands nature as well as men, ' 'Thus far; no farther." To stay within the limits or boundaries of God's will for us brings only joy, peace, and happiness. Going beyond the LINE or limit of God's will places us on Satan's ground, which ultimately brings trouble, disaster, and unhappiness.”1

“Curved lines are more graceful and more numerous in nature than straight lines. The soft, curved lines are not only more beautiful to the eye but more relaxing. In this exciting, stressful world, God placed the restful curved line everywhere as a reminder to 'come apart" and enjoy the quiet calm and peace of knowing Him. Nature's endless use of curved lines is like the words of Jesus, "Peace is my parting gift to you, my own peace, such as the world cannot give. set your troubled hearts at rest, and banish your fears." John 14:27, N.E.B. He also placed the curved line of the rainbow in the sky, a sign of His promise to all.”1


Sources

1 Eileen E. Lantry, A Family Guide to Sabbath Nature Activities, (Boise: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1980), 25-28.

Written By David F. Garner

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 23: The Fingerprint of God

Photo Credit: Stefan Schweihofer (username: stux)

Key Verse

“The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork.” Psalms 19:1 (WEB)

Lesson

What evidence is there that God really created the universe, you, and me? How do we know that God deserves our praise? Sometimes it seems hard to know where everything came from. We hear all sorts of ideas about where we came from and how the world got here. Thankfully, God did not leave us to guess about these questions. Have you ever noticed all the beauty in nature? Why is there beauty? Science exists to tell us how things work. But religion helps us find out why. The Bible tells us that God made everything to show us his glory, or his wonder and majesty. It also tells us that he created this earth for our pleasure and to show us he loves and cares for us. That is why beauty exists. That is why everything exists.

Have you ever looked at something in nature and thought, “that could not have happened by accident? It must have been made and designed.” We know when we find a plastic bottle on the ground that it was made by humans. We also know someone threw it there instead of in a trashcan. We understand that it did not grow there naturally.

In nature we see evidence of a designer. Once such evidence is the Golden Ratio (a.k.a. the Fibonacci Sequence). In math this is a series of numbers where the next number is the sum of the two proceeding numbers. (Example: 1,2,3,5,8,13, etc.) It can get very complex. But the Golden Ratio translates into a spiral pattern we see often. It appears all around us in nature from the smallest to the biggest things. It is seen on the pinecone bottom, snail shells, the shape of ocean waves, even the spiral of galaxies. It can be seen in the center of flowers in the composite family such as the sunflower. The Golden Ratio has been called the fingerprint of God because it appears from the smallest atom to the biggest galaxy. It is like God’s signature in creation. And best of all, it adds beauty.

Psalms 19:1 says that the heavens declare God’s glory and show how powerful he is. He is the God of creation; the One who made everything else that exists. No one is greater. That is why he deserve our praise. Romans 1:20 tells us that nature points to the all powerful God. It shows he is there and that he cares for us. So we have no excuse to think he is not there or that he does not take care of us. God loves each of us. And he made everything good you can see just to prove it.

Questions

How do you see design displayed in nature?

How do you think God feels when we destroy his creation?

What do you think God thinks about all the ways his creation has been messed up since Adam and Eve sinned?

In what ways can we show God our thanks and praise for what he made?