“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” (Psalm 24:1 KJV)
When I hike near Crater Lake, Oregon, take in the vista of pristine waters that sparkle in the sunlight, or drive through Theodore Roosevelt’s hunting grounds in North or South Dakota, my heart swells with gratitude for God’s creation and Roosevelt’s vision of land stewardship. Known as “the conservation president,” he established five national parks during his presidency from 1901 to 1909—cathedrals of God’s grandeur—for you and me to enjoy public lands and experience His handiwork.
Roosevelt’s legislation designated Wind Cave, South Dakota; Crater Lake, Oregon; Mesa Verde, Colorado; Sully’s Hill, North Dakota (which later became a game preserve); and Platt, Oklahoma, which now includes the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Five national parks in and of themselves are mighty accomplishments, but the National Park Service notes Roosevelt’s legacy includes “150 national forests, 51 federal bird reserves, 4 national game preserves, and 18 national monuments” for those of us who delight in and “dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1).
One of my favorite Bible characters who experienced the Good Father’s “earth” and “the fulness thereof” was David, the shepherd boy. Not only was David the author of the psalm, but he knew the King of Glory intimately during the night watches, acting as a good shepherd of his flock and protecting them from harm with only a sling and a rock. David the hunter, protector, shepherd, and warrior knew his way around the forests and pastures, communing with God through prayer and by listening for the voice of his Creator. David’s pastoral solitude developed him as a follower of God and the soon-to-be king of Israel.
Today, we have the same privilege as David and Roosevelt did in exploring the mighty outdoors, including nearly 230 million acres of public land designated during Roosevelt’s presidency. In our current world of inflation, we often crave quality recreation experiences with our families, choosing to stay in a cushy lodge or hotel, or to pitch a tent next to a gurgling stream at a campsite. As we participate in the vision of stewardship Roosevelt engineered, we can freely experience the cathedrals of the earth God created. Whether we are in a national park or our own backyard, may we remember that the earth is the Lord’s and encounter our Good Father in the fullness of His creation.
