Difficulty experiencing God in everyday life or connecting with him

When life gets heavy, most of us turn to God—asking for guidance, comfort, or clarity. But in the midst of our prayers, worries, and requests, it’s easy to overlook the simple, quiet blessings He places in our path every single day. His creation is one of the greatest gifts we’ve been given, yet we often forget to pause, breathe it in, and thank Him for it.

For me, nature has always been my grounding place. It’s where I feel closest to God—more than within any building or structure. Whether I’m driving down old backroads, fishing at my favorite spots, hiking, tending animals on family homesteads, or sitting around a simple bonfire, I feel peace, joy, and a deeper connection. These outdoor moments remind me that after God created this world, He blessed us with the privilege of experiencing it. That thought alone fills me with gratitude.

Below are five outdoor devotionals and activities that can help you connect with God today—no special equipment, no perfect routine, just you, nature, and Him.

 

1. Hiking: A Simple Walk With God

You don’t need a challenging trail or a 5K adventure to find God on a hike. A simple walk is more than enough.

Try using the free AllTrails app to find easy paths near you. Bring a journal or your phone camera, and look for little things that catch your eye—wildflowers, sunlight patterns, a stream, unique trees.

As you walk:

• Talk to God about what you notice.
• Thank Him for the beauty in front of you
• Unpack whatever is weighing on your heart
• Capture photos that remind you of His creation

Use this time as a moving prayer.

Scripture to meditate on:
“I lift my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1–2

 

2. Bonfires: Rest, Ground, and Give Thanks

A simple campfire is powerful. The warmth, the crackle, the stillness—it naturally encourages relaxation and presence.

Bonfires are proven to:

• Reduce stress
• Increase mindfulness
• Improve sleep
• Strengthen connection

If you’re a barefoot girly like me, grounding while sitting near the fire brings even more benefits: reduced inflammation, better blood flow, improved mood, and deep physical healing.

While you sit by the fire, speak gratitude over all of it.
Tell God:

• How the warmth makes you feel
• What the stillness is helping you release
• How thankful you are for natural gifts that support your well-being

A simple “Thank You” becomes a beautiful prayer.

 

3. Stargazing: Look Up & Find Your Daily Glimmer

There’s something sacred about lying beneath the night sky. I can spend hours looking up, searching for constellations or waiting for a shooting star.

Most nights, this is when I talk to God the most.

I also have a daily ritual:
Find one glimmer—a small good thing—to end the day with gratitude.

During stargazing:

• Reflect on your glimmer
• Talk to God about the day
• Thank Him for little blessings
• Ask Him for clarity or peace for tomorrow

It’s one of the most peaceful devotionals you can do.

 

4. Foraging: Notice the Details God Placed Around You

Whether it’s wildflowers, herbs, or simple forest treasures, foraging slows you down and connects you to God’s creativity.

I’m the type who picks up dirt just to smell it, feels tree bark, or runs my hands through moss. Creation is full of textures, scents, and beauty that remind us of God’s intentional design.

During your walk, pause somewhere quiet and journal:

• What do you see?
• What do you smell?
• What emotions are coming up?

Write God a letter.
Start with what you noticed in nature, then let it lead into whatever is on your heart. Later, these notes often turn into prayers asking for guidance, comfort, or direction.

 

5. Overlanding & Backroad Drives: Worship on the Road Less Traveled

If you know me, you know I love overlanding—windows down, wind in my hair, music low, roads unexplored.

Using apps like ONx, you can find scenic routes, dirt roads, and trails near you. Many are easy drives; others require 4WD. Every route is an adventure.

As you drive:

• Talk to God
• Ask Him for safety
• Thank Him for the freedom of the open road
• Notice the landscape, the quiet, the beauty
• Let the Holy Spirit guide your thoughts

Some of my deepest conversations with God have happened on a backroad.

 

Mindfulness: The Heart of Meeting God Outdoors

None of these activities matter if your mind is somewhere else.

Mindfulness is being present in:

• Your body
• Your environment
• Your current emotion
• The moment God has placed you in

Don’t think about work stress, past problems, or tomorrow’s worries.

Just be.
Just breathe.
Just connect—with yourself, with nature, and with Him.

 

Reflection Questions

Take a moment to journal or think through these:

1. What has God helped you with lately?

2. What has He created in nature that helps you feel closer to Him?

3. What activity will you do next to spend time connecting with God?