by Cindy Phillips
Autumn is one of the most beautiful reminders that God is at work even when things are changing.
As the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to change color, we are reminded that change is a natural part of God’s creation. The trees let go of what they have held onto all summer. Their leaves fall to the ground, making room for the rest that comes before a new season of growth.
Sometimes we have a hard time letting go. We hold onto past hurts, disappointments, mistakes, or even things that once brought us joy. But there are times when God asks us to release something so He can prepare us for what is ahead.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”
Autumn teaches us that every season has a purpose. Summer has its purpose, but so does fall. Winter has its purpose, and so does spring. In the same way, there are seasons in our lives when we experience growth, seasons of waiting, seasons of difficulty, and seasons of blessing. God is present in every one of them.
Isaiah 43:19 “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth.”
The trees don’t panic when their leaves fall. They simply follow the pattern God designed for them. Perhaps we could learn something from that. When God brings change into our lives, we don’t always have to understand what He is doing. We can trust the One who does.
Autumn also reminds us to be thankful. Psalm 107:1 “O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endures forever.”
As we look at the beauty of the changing leaves, feel the coolness of the morning air, and prepare for another season, may we pause and recognize God’s fingerprints all around us. And perhaps the greatest lesson of autumn is this: letting go isn’t always an ending—it can be preparation for something new.
So as the leaves fall this autumn, let them remind you to trust God with what you need to release, to be thankful for the season you’re in, and to have faith in the season that is coming.