Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect(Romans 12:2).
Autumn has a beauty all its own as the crisp cool air meets the warm hues of red, orange, and yellow leaves as they gracefully float down from the once lush, green, and stately trees.
It’s as if autumn softly sings a bittersweet symphony reminding us that this life is fragile, yet majestic, filled with awe and wonder.
As we settle into school routines and look forward to the football games (or the snacks in my case) while eagerly awaiting the pumpkin patch pickings and harvest festivals, there is this open invitation to take notice of God’s goodness.
From the breathtaking landscapes to the bounty of blessings tucked within our homes, this time of year seems to prompt us to pause and reflect.
So, here is my question for you. How are you going into this semi-sweet season? Is it with a heart full of thanksgiving, or is there a bit of numbness and pain associated with it?
Whether you find that it brings you utter joy or leaves you seeping in sorrow, do keep in mind that there is something about autumn’s warm glow and drastic changes that can trigger our emotions and fuel our thoughts.
Romans 12:2 tells us not to be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of our mind. As we head into a new autumn season, and the transformation slowly shifts and takes place, it also creates a prime opportunity for us to shift our focus as well.
Will you join me in seeking a Christ-like mindset? Let’s renew our thoughts to savor the goodness that God intended for us this season.
Photo Credit: ©iStofk/Getty Images Plus/Drazen Zigic
“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease” (Genesis 8:22).
It isn’t hard to see that our earth is groaning, and life is slowly decaying. Between the harsh and destructive weather, famines, and wars, not to mention all the brokenness and hurt that floods our minds via news or social media, it’s truly heartbreaking.
But God gives us hope! It is found in the changing of the seasons. After the flood, God made a covenant with Noah. He said that as long as the earth remains, there would be a time for seed and harvest, a time for cold and heat, along with day and night (Genesis 8:20-22).
Just as God controls and changes our earth’s seasons, He does the same in our own lives, gently reminding us that nothing will last forever. Whether you find yourself in a season of hurt or a season of plenty, God promises to be with us (John 16:33). That should give us so much peace and comfort.
The truth of the matter is that our world will always be in constant change, turmoil, and slowly fading, but the good news is our God is constant, never changing, and His love never fails! We must go into autumn with that perspective in mind!
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/CalinStan
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9).
Our family has been trying our hand at a garden and let me tell you, it is hard work! I have a whole new respect for farmers now.
After lots and lots of nurturing and care, tons of research for the perfect soil, gardening beds, fertilizer, and watering times, among so many other factors we have tried to take into account, we are finally seeing a few fruits of our labor — yay!
In both the Old and New Testament, we see the term or reference to harvest being used, and the spiritual significance and symbolic meaning it carried.
Harvest was not only a time to collect and gather crops, but more importantly, it was a time to thank God for His blessings and provision (1 Corinthians 9:10-11).
The symbolism tucked within harvest is still applicable today, reminding us that we will reap what we sow and that those blessings of harvest should be rejoiced over and shared with others. Galatians 6:9 drives this point home telling us to never tire of doing what is good.
In other words, we should recognize our blessings come from the Lord alone, and in turn soften our hearts to seek His will on how to use and share those blessings.
This harvest time, allow your Gardener to tend to your needs, pruning what is unnecessary, and giving the nutrients you need in order to flourish grow (John 15:5-6).
Abide in Him and let Him abide in you. This season, soften your heart to what God is calling you to do, then take action and boldly live it out.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/kobeza
Maybe May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).
Last year, a few days after Easter, I suddenly lost my mom. I remember feeling numb for many months, but as soon as September rolled around, something in me snapped. It was as if one day I was okay, and the next day I wasn’t.
Grief has a way of sneaking in at the oddest of times, but I do believe there is something about the change that comes with autumn that can make grief come on tenfold.
It could be the colorful changing of the leaves softly reminding us that this life continues, while our world often seems to stand still.
Or… the fact that the entrance of the holidays is not always welcomed knowing that there will be a vacant seat at the dinner table. So many messy emotions tend to come out this time of year, leaving us confused and heavy-hearted.
This time of year can be all-consuming for so many. If you know someone wading through grief this season, check in on them and extend a gracious hand of hope and love.
A simple and kind gesture can go a long way. If you are walking into this season carrying the burden of grief, it’s okay to allow for space and grace in your day. Give yourself time to sit in it and let God meet you wherever you are.
Fall may bring reminders of the past, but there is also a precious promise that God gives us for our future.
Oh friend, I invite you to place your wounded heart in His hands and invite Him into the cracks and messy parts of your life this fall.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/vladans
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit(Psalm 118:1).
Psalms has such a lovely way of capturing the heart of the gospel. David, among several other authors, has a tender way of sharing real and raw emotions, acknowledging their trials, struggles, and pain, all while rejoicing and praising the Lord.
The message weaved throughout Psalms is pretty clear — our prayers are heard and connect us deeply to our Father.
Psalms basically encourages us to pray, rejoice, and humble ourselves while wholeheartedly worshiping our Lord. If that doesn’t move you, then dig into Psalms and let it speak and touch your heart with its powerful and poetic words.
As we enter the season of fall, we can take a lesson from the Book of Psalms. While we should rejoice and give thanks to God each and every day, the season of autumn gives way for us to transition into a new season with an emboldened prayer life.
One that is ready to cozy up to our Savoir and lay out our heart while reflecting on the many blessings He has bestowed and giving Him all the glory.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/monkeybusinessimages
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2).
You most likely have heard that as believers we are to have an eternal perspective. But let me start with a question (or two): how often do you think about death or life after death? What about eternity or better yet how often do you think about heaven?
The truth of the matter is that if we really lived with an eternal perspective, we would most likely live differently. Our interactions with others would possibly change.
Our values and the things we place as most important may morph a bit. Our jobs and careers and the goals we strive and attain might differ. The things we fear or worry about would cease. And so on.
Think of it this way: if you knew today was our last day, what would you do differently?
The point to drive home here is this — Paul encourages us to set our eye on what is above not what is here in this life. His point is that when we live with “selfish” passion, longing to make the most of this life, setting our sights on what we want, and caving to our flesh, we fail to see the mission we were given and the sacrifice that was made for us on the cross.
Holding an eternal perspective changes everything! It gives us hope — a hope that we will have life (a way much better life) after this one. Hope that what we do here and now matters to God.
Hope that we will one day not have to endure hardships, pain, or suffering. Hope that we will be reunited with those we love, and there will be peace, joy, and harmony (Revelations 7:15-17).
Friend, heaven should be our focus! What we look forward to! What we strive to live for, today, and every day. Go into this beautiful fall season with that mindset and see if your life changes.
I pray that as you head into the beautiful season of autumn that God softly touches your heart and woos you into His presence. May you place your thoughts on His abundant blessings and find ways to soak in His peace this time of year. Happy Fall!
For further reading:
5 Cost-Effective Fall Activities
How to Deal with Grief This Autumn Season
How Should Christians Respond to Changing Seasons?
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Smileus
LISTEN: Thinking Christian about Making and Keeping New Year's Resolutions
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Salem Web Network and Salem Media Group.
WATCH: 10 Sins Christians Downplay (and Why They're So Destructive)
Stock Footage & Music Courtesy of Soundstripe.com Thumbnail by Getty Images
READ: 10 Sins That Often Go Overlooked in Christian Community
Originally published Tuesday, 19 September 2023.
