Spending time outdoors is one of the simplest joys in life, and National Eat Outside Day is the perfect reminder to enjoy God’s creation while sharing meals with loved ones. The Bible encourages us to appreciate nature, fellowship, and gratitude, values that align beautifully with eating outside.
These verses highlight God’s provision, the beauty of His creation, and the joy found in sharing food together. Whether picnicking in the park or dining al fresco in your backyard, these scriptures can inspire a grateful heart and deepen your connection with God and nature.
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
National Eat Outside Day is a perfect opportunity to share a meal with friends, family, or neighbors. This verse encourages generosity and kindness in sharing food. Eating outside together fosters community and reminds us that sharing is a way we can honor God and bless others.
2. God Provides for Our Needs: Matthew 6:31-32
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.”
This verse reminds us that God cares deeply about our daily needs, including the food we eat. When enjoying a meal outdoors, it’s a moment to reflect on God’s faithful provision. It encourages us to trust Him fully, knowing He supplies everything we require. Eating outside becomes not just a physical nourishment but a spiritual reminder of God’s loving care.
3. The Earth is the Lord’s: Psalm 24:1
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
Eating outside connects us to the vastness of God’s creation. This verse reminds us that all nature, the earth, the trees, the fresh air, belongs to God. It encourages a heart of stewardship and gratitude as we enjoy meals surrounded by His handiwork. It’s a chance to appreciate that every meal outdoors is a gift from the Creator.
4. Give Thanks for Your Food: 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Gratitude is essential when we gather to eat, especially outside where the beauty of creation surrounds us. This verse calls us to a thankful spirit regardless of circumstances. Eating outdoors offers a peaceful setting to reflect on and express thanks for the food, fellowship, and fresh air that God so generously provides.
5. God’s Creation is Good: Genesis 1:31
“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.”
This verse highlights the goodness of all creation. When we eat outside, surrounded by God’s handiwork, the trees, sky, and birds, we are reminded of His perfect design. Enjoying a meal in nature can renew our appreciation for the beauty and goodness God placed in the world from the very beginning.
6. Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor: Ecclesiastes 3:13
“Also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil, this is God’s gift to man.”
Eating outside can be a joyful celebration of the fruits of our work and God’s blessings. This verse acknowledges that enjoying food and drink with pleasure is a gift from God. It encourages us to savor these moments outdoors, appreciating not only the food but the hard work and provision behind it.
7. Trust God’s Timing and Provision: Psalm 104:14
“He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth.”
This verse reminds us that God orchestrates the growth of food and sustains life. Eating outside allows us to experience His creation firsthand, from the grass beneath our feet to the food on our plates. It’s a beautiful reminder of God’s careful provision for all living things.
8. Celebrate God’s Blessings: Deuteronomy 8:10
“When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you.”
This verse encourages us to celebrate God’s blessings after enjoying a meal. Eating outside, surrounded by nature’s beauty, offers a perfect moment to pause and praise God for the food and the land that sustains us. It reminds us that every satisfying meal is a gift from God, inviting gratitude and joyful worship.
9. Fellowship and Eating Together: Acts 2:46
“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.”
Sharing meals is a sacred way to build community and fellowship. This verse highlights how early believers gathered and shared food with joyful hearts. Eating outside with others strengthens bonds, fosters joy, and reflects God’s desire for unity and love among His people.
10. God’s Provision is Perfect: Psalm 145:15
“The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.”
This verse speaks to God’s perfect timing and care in providing for all creation. When we eat outdoors, we are reminded that God watches over us and provides exactly what we need when we need it. It encourages trust and thanksgiving as we enjoy our meals in His presence.
11. God Feeds the Birds and Us: Matthew 6:26
“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?”
This verse reminds us that God lovingly provides for all His creation, including the birds we see when eating outside. It reassures us of our value to God and His faithful provision. Observing nature while eating outdoors can deepen our trust in His care.
12. Delight in the Lord and He Will Give You Your Heart’s Desires: Psalm 37:4
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Enjoying a meal outside offers a moment to delight in God’s presence. This verse encourages us to find joy in Him first, trusting that He fulfills our deepest needs and desires. Outdoor meals can be a time to reconnect spiritually and physically with God’s goodness.
13. God’s Word is Like Food: Jeremiah 15:16
“When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight.”
Just as food nourishes our bodies, God’s Word nourishes our souls. This verse beautifully connects the act of eating with spiritual sustenance. Eating outside can be a chance to meditate on scripture and delight in God’s promises alongside physical nourishment.
14. God’s Abundance is a Blessing: Proverbs 3:9-10
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
This verse celebrates God’s blessings in abundance, reminding us to honor Him with gratitude. Sharing a meal outdoors, especially one with fresh produce or harvest foods, is a joyful way to recognize God’s generous provision and bounty.
15. God’s Peace Fills Our Hearts: Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Eating outside can create a peaceful environment to experience God’s calming presence. This verse encourages us to embrace that peace, which protects our hearts and minds. Mealtime outdoors can be a sanctuary for rest and spiritual refreshment.
16. Enjoy God’s Good Gifts: James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.”
This verse reminds us that all good things, including the food we enjoy outside, are gifts from God. Recognizing this truth fills us with gratitude and reverence as we partake in the simple joys of life surrounded by His creation.
17. God Provides Food in Due Season: Genesis 8:22
“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.”
This verse reassures us of God’s ongoing provision through the changing seasons. Eating outside connects us to the cycles of nature and the faithfulness of God’s timing, reminding us to trust His continuous care.
18. God’s Hospitality Welcomes Us: Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Eating outside with others is an opportunity to practice hospitality, welcoming and sharing with those around us. This verse encourages generosity and kindness, reflecting God’s heart through simple acts of fellowship and care.
19. God’s Grace is Enough: 2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
As we gather outdoors to eat, this verse reminds us that God’s grace sustains us in every circumstance. It encourages humility and trust, knowing God’s power and provision are sufficient in every season of life.
20. Delight in God’s Creation: Psalm 96:11-12
“Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them! Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy.”
This poetic verse captures the joy of all creation praising God. Eating outside allows us to in that celebration by enjoying the vibrant life around us. It inspires a heart of praise and gratitude for the world God has made.
Anne Kostick has been Editor-in-Chief since September 2007. Previously, Anne was a principal at Foxpath IND, a publishing, consulting and editorial services company specializing in the transition to and from traditional content publishing and online content management, development and publishing. Her clients included trade book publishers, technology and financial services Web sites, and arts and cultural institutions. Previously, she worked as Licensing and Product Development Director, Senior Acquisitions Editor and Director of Electronic Publishing for Workman Publishing, and as Senior Acquisitions Editor for Harry N. Abrams/Stewart, Tabori & Chang. In the online world she worked as Director of Content Development for Vitaminshoppe.com. Anne has a B.A. in Greek and Latin, with a minor in Theater, from Beloit College. She is the author of several books for children, as well as a definitive collection of jokes.