Have you ever seen something in nature that took your breath away? Maybe it was a sunset at one of our beaches showing a sky more colorful than any painting you’ve seen. It could have been the Grand Canyon that revealed the majesty of God’s creation. Or possibly it was something as simple as a butterfly that softly landed on your windowsill one lovely spring afternoon. Those moments of awe at God’s creation are also opportunities to be in awe of the Creator Himself. And that’s exactly what Leanna Crawford reminds us of with her latest song “How Can You Not.”
Read on in this blog to find out the story behind Leanna’s song, plus a few passages that echo how creation points to our creative God. Then finally hear the song for yourself and be reminded of all the ways we can see God in the everyday things surrounding you.
THE STORY BEHIND "HOW CAN YOU NOT"
The inspiration for Leanna’s song occurred on a walk, seeking a particularly shiny specimen.
Five years ago I moved to Nashville Tennessee and since moving I love seeing fireflies every year especially because I didn’t grow up seeing them. A few summers ago, my parents were visiting and I was so excited because my dad was going to see fireflies for the first time. So each night we went for a walk, hoping to see fireflies, and each night we did not see a single one. On the last night of their trip we decided to go for one more walk. As we walked by the field we spotted one firefly and then another and another, until suddenly the field lit up like the night sky. It was so incredible. My dad looked over to us and said, "How can you not see your Creator?" What a sweet reminder. Maybe God created these tiny little light-up bugs to show us that he cares about the details of our lives. How can I not see God when I look all around me.
3 VERSES ON HOW CREATION REVEALS THE CREATOR
LOOK AT THE SKIES
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.
When we gaze upon the vast expanse of the heavens, we witness a symphony of celestial bodies, radiant with beauty and order. The psalmist reminds us that this spectacle is not a mere coincidence but a deliberate proclamation of God’s glory. Every sunrise and sunset, every shimmering star and swirling galaxy, declares the majesty of the Creator. Nature becomes a tapestry through which God unveils His wisdom, inviting us to seek deeper understanding and find solace in the grandeur of His creation. When we look above, how can you not see a God with astounding creativity?
LOOK ALL AROUND
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made so that people are without excuse.
In the intricate details of creation, from the delicate petals of a flower to the intricate wings of a butterfly, we witness the fingerprint of God’s divine craftsmanship. The apostle Paul emphasizes that the magnificence and orderliness of the natural world are undeniable testimonies to the eternal power and divine nature of the Creator. By paying attention to the intricacies and interconnections in the web of life, we can discern the presence of God and His boundless creativity. When we look all around, how can you not see a God with incredible power?
LOOK AT THE BIRDS
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
In this verse from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus invites us to contemplate the birds of the air as a testament to God’s provision and care. Birds effortlessly soar through the sky, relying on the sustenance that the Creator provides without toiling or worrying about tomorrow. By observing these winged creatures, we gain insight into God’s loving nature and His commitment to meeting our needs. If God takes such meticulous care of the birds, how much more does He value and provide for us, His beloved children? The natural world, with all its creatures, becomes a vivid reminder of God’s faithful provision and the depth of His love for us. When we look at the birds, how can you not see a God who cares?
LISTEN TO "HOW CAN YOU NOT"
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
What have you seen in nature that makes you ask, “How can you not see God?” Tell us in the comments!
