Embrace the beauty of autumn as a reminder to connect with God through His creation, from the vibrant fall foliage to the comforting scents of the season. Discover practical ways to slow down, listen for His voice, and find His love in the simple, everyday moments of this season.
Oh, hey girl! How are you enjoying this autumn season so far? Has it been good to you?
As a southern gal, let’s say the fall weather hasn’t quite moved down here, as my morning walk had me sweating in five minutes with temps still hovering in the upper 80s. Sigh. But, thankfully, while it may not “feel” like fall just yet, the appearance is surely peeking through as colorful leaves scatter on the ground, making that joyful crunching sound, and the warm musky scents of the season flood my home.
Autumn has a sincere way of meeting us, like a dear old friend, awakening our senses and allowing us to experience God in a new way. So, as we continue to welcome this season and it whispers sweet blessings of beautiful change, may we seize the opportunity to pause, slow down, and find God in tender everyday moments.
However, before we go any further, may I pray for you?
God, as we discover Your faithfulness and goodness in this precious autumn season, open our hearts and minds to see how You are moving in our lives each and every day. Use our senses to explore this season with a fresh perspective as we proclaim scripture and take intentional steps to welcome all the wonder and beauty it holds. Thank you for opening up our hearts and minds to the majestic work of Your hands. You are truly an amazing God. Amen.
Now, my fellow sister in Christ, take a deep breath, and let’s find ways to intentionally find God this season, especially in the simple moments. Are you ready? He’s waiting on you and ready to show You His incredible love!
Gaze Upon God’s Autumn Canvas
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18
With the changing seasons, we are reminded that nothing this side of heaven lasts forever. As we aim to set our eyes on what is above and take hold of the promise of eternal life, we are also fortunate to have the time to gaze upon the beauty that God created here on earth. By His very own handiwork, our faithful God provided works for us to enjoy. We can praise and thank Him for the beautiful tapestry of hues that spread before us this beautiful autumn season.
Take a walk and lift your heart.
Wake up early and take in the beautiful sight of the sunset.
Sit in silence as you reflect on your day and watch the sunset.
What other ways can you enjoy the work of His hands and marvel at the sight of His creation?
Feel the Warmth of His Love
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 1 John 4:16
As Christians, we are called to honestly “know” God by seeking His truth and living in a way that honors Him. We do this by humble submission and abiding in His love. This autumn provides the perfect time to get cozy with God and feel His warmth and love.
Snuggle under a cozy blanket as you read His Word.
Cozy up by a fireplace and feel the warmth, giving thanks to God for His provision and protection.
Serve and love others this season, so that you can also be blessed with God’s love for you.
How can you experience His warmth and love this season in a way that touches your heart and ignites your faith?
Enjoy the Scents of the Season
And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2
Ephesians 5 lays out a manual on how we live as believers, essentially imitating Christ. We are to walk in a way that vastly contradicts this world, giving of ourselves, as Christ did. While Christ made the perfect sacrificial offering that pleased God, we can strive to give God our best and glorify Him with our obedience through our words, deeds, and actions.
Scripture tells us that “fragrant offerings” symbolized atonement, worship, and honoring God through intensive prayer. As we embrace the many sweet scents of the season, may they remind us to live more intentionally and get real with God.
As you prepare comforting meals that fill your home with rich smells, give thanks to God for taking care of you and your family's needs.
As you sip on that yummy pumpkin-spiced latte that smells so good, offer your heart a real, honest prayer.
When you light up your home with fall scented candles or warmers, present yourself wholeheartedly to God and seek repentance in areas of your life. You need His mercy and grace.
Are there other ways to enjoy the sweet smells of the season and encounter God in a meaningful way?
Slow Down and Listen for His Voice
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who cares deeply for His sheep, protecting them, seeking them out when they go astray, and laying down His own life for His flock, shows the humble and personal nature of the God we serve. As His beloved children, we have the privilege and honor of getting in tune with His voice when we are still, quiet, slow down, embrace patience, and earnestly seek Him with a pure heart. While likely not audibly, we hear God through the whispers of truth and promises woven throughout His Word. We can also meet Him and hear His voice through intimate prayer, songs of praise and worship, or just sitting in silence and receiving His peace. As the days draw shorter, it allows time to pause, reflect, and listen.
Step outside, take some deep, intentional breaths, and allow your body to relax. Then, lean into God for peace.
Pray with the intention of gaining wisdom and hearing His voice.
Start a gratitude journal and open up dialogue with God as you praise Him.
How do you connect to God and hear His voice?
Explore the Many Flavors of Fall
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103
The book of Psalms is like a healing balm to the soul through its praise-like poems and flowery words, declaring we serve an awesome God. When we hone in on Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, we see that it serves an even greater purpose, calling attention to our need to heavily rely on God’s Word for guidance, stating that it is sweet like honey. As we gather with family and friends around the dinner tables filled to the brim with rich foods and delicious treats this time of year, let’s purposefully tuck Psalm 119:103 in our hearts. It’s comforting to know that as we obey God’s law and adhere to His commands, we openly receive His bounty of blessings and therefore grow our faith. How sweet is that?
Be adventurous and try a new festive food this season. Enjoy it as you dig into God’s Word.
Allow this harvest time to posture your heart in thanks and praise to a faithful God.
Spread God’s love with the many fall flavors this time of year and cheerfully share it with family, friends, and neighbors.
How can you enjoy this harvest time and give God your pure heart of gratitude?
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/DjelicS
