STEP INTO FALL

SPIRITUAL FALL

Fall brings us cooler temperatures and falling leaves. this “cooling off” and “falling” can mimic itself in our lives through loss (job, health, or relationships). It can also be a time when God calls us to let something in our life fall away. Holding on to things we shouldn’t invites trouble into the new season.

Fall brings spent flowers and unattractive looking plants. but before the first killing frost, our perennials plants are still alive; gathering energy and “recharging” for the next year’s growth. Winding down from a busy season can leave us feeling “spent.” Spiritual fall brings you rest and a time to reflect and recharge too. Allow yourself to wind down and recharge in this season.

Each season brings opportunities to grow in our faith, set and redefine goals, and seek God’s purpose in our lives. Each season can bring spiritual growth, joy and laughter.

People may also love autumn for the sense of nostalgia, holidays, and new beginnings. We look forward to sharing stories and laughs with family and friends. We are excited about the start of another school year and football games. Autumn is not only a significant time culturally, but this season also holds biblical significance. We can study Scripture and its theme of harvest to gain a deeper perspective of fall. For those of us who place our faith in Christ, autumn signifies the gospel and the coming of Jesus.  Jesus equated bringing people to salvation with the work of the fall season. After preaching the good news about the kingdom and healing people from sin, Jesus said to His disciples, "The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest" (Matthew 9:35-38). Belief in the gospel is a spiritual harvest. Through our faith in Him, Jesus reaps us for the kingdom of God. 

As the crisp Fall air comes in, view this time through the lens of biblical truth. When we see the leaves change color, our minds can remember our transformation into the image of Jesus. When we cozy up in a warm sweater, our hands can reach for the comfort of God's presence. When we taste the sweetness of a pumpkin-spiced latte, our hearts can know that God has a sweeter gift for us in eternity. 

Fall not only looks back to what Jesus accomplished but also looks forward to His second coming. One day, we will hear a trumpet sound, and Jesus will descend from heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Christ will raise us from the grave like the sprouts of good seeds bursting from a field (Matthew 13:37-43). Our natures will change to the glorious likeness of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:52). Jesus will remove sin and evil for good, like casting the goat into the wilderness, and His people will be covered in His blood. We will forever celebrate in God's abundant presence, expressing praise and thanks for His salvation.

Until the time of this great harvest, we can reflect on these truths during the fall season. Though believers today do not need to celebrate the biblical feasts because of the finished work of Christ, we can still set aside time to consider God's Kingship, mercy, and provision in Jesus. With the indwelling Holy Spirit, we can strive to reach maturity by sowing seeds of faithfulness so that we are ripe for Christ's return (Galatians 6:7-9). We can be sure that God will make us ready for His harvest, for the power of God's redemption does not fail.

Fall can be associated with melancholy and endless summer opportunities dropping like leaves, it should equally be associated with the harvest. The harvest is a time to not only appreciate what God has given you, but also to take those blessings and share them with others. To share your new wisdom, love, or courage with those you hold dear and those who will benefit from your blessing. 

Fall is a special time in the life of the church and in the life of those beyond it. It's an opportunity to stand on the threshold between the old and the new. Autumn is a time to put the final pieces of the puzzle together and see the bigger picture. To look in-between the ends of the hourglass and realize the gift of your life and its fragility. Look for the ways God has shaped your life in the past and how God is molding your future. Harvest the experiences you have been blessed with and be grateful for another season of life. 

Gracious and loving Lord,

Thank you for the seasons we can count on, find routine in, and that will never cease while the earth remains. As we enter into autumn, when the cooler winds drift in and the days grow shorter, draw us closer to you. Let us feel your warm and loving presence. May we imagine ourselves in your arms, close to your heart, surrounded by your light, and find comfort in your consistency when the world around us seems to be constantly changing. Thank you for your lovingkindness that engulfs us and your light that drives the darkness away. We praise you for being a God who loves us and takes care of us. We are grateful you are with us in all circumstances and seasons. Amen.