Discover the value of reconnecting with God’s creation…even when it’s cold.

It’s winter. I know it’s tempting to stay hidden indoors. You step out of your house and the frigid air hits your face. You start to second-guess the idea of stepping outside again until spring. Instead of snowfall feeling nostalgic it feels like extra work. The days blur together, and it’s been weeks since you experienced anything natural. And yet God’s creation is still there and waiting for you. It might be just what your soul needs right now. 

I’ve found myself in that place. When I haven’t felt the sun on my face without a windshield or window in between. Something inside of me starts to dim. Without even realizing it, I start to feel off. A bit of sadness creeps in. I notice stress, discouragement, and a strange sense of distance from God and the people around me.

Warning Signs and Winter Retreats

We need to be cautious that winter doesn’t push us into a purely mechanical rhythm of life. Everything becomes digital, industrial, and isolated. That’s when I know it’s time for a retreat into God’s creation.

Yes, it’s cold, but it doesn’t have to be miserable. There’s a phrase I picked up while serving in Alaska that sticks with me:

“There’s no such thing as bad winter weather, just bad winter gear.”

No, I’m not talking about fur-lined parkas from the 1800s. Thanks to modern innovation, good gear can keep even the skinniest person warm during outdoor adventures.

Ideas to Retreat Into God’s Creation

So what does a retreat into God’s creation look like? It can be a solo day with the Lord out in the woods or a weekend tucked away at a cabin. It can be a family sledding or skating day, or a snowshoe hike with friends. You get to laugh and talk while breathing in that crisp air. And suddenly, there’s a moment where God feels close again.

Maybe you want to try something new like ice fishing or a winter hunt. If you’ve never received food from the Creator’s hand during the harshest season, it’s a powerful experience. You’ll feel the blessing differently. Then you realize, this was the daily reality for so many people before our modern comforts.

After the Retreat Comes Perspective

After I retreat into God’s creation, everything shifts. Daily responsibilities seem smaller. I feel less caught up in the grind and more aware of God’s presence and power. I notice His sovereignty in the trees, the snow, the quiet.

Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”

That truth doesn’t stop being real when the sky is grey and the snow is deep. I think it becomes even clearer. When I return, I bring that perspective back with me. I treat people differently. I thank God for little things. Even that breath of cold morning air at the drive-through window while waiting for coffee.

So don’t miss this winter. Don’t waste the season God has provided for us to enjoy. The cold might sting at first, but the warmth you’ll find in creation will go deeper than you expected.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

• How have you been retreating into God’s creation this winter?
• What winter activities have helped you feel more connected to God?
• What’s one step you can take this week to spend time in creation?