For the Fall Season: 10 Truths That Will Steady You Now
The fall season is my favorite. Deep-hued reds and vibrant oranges turn an ordinary drive into something spectacular. The whole world seems breathless, as if the majesty of God is undiluted.
Fall is that time of year where crisper air awakens our senses. We slow down to savor all things pumpkin-spice and slip on cozy sweaters and gather around bonfires. The notes of autumn–crisp leaves swirling on cement, carefree laughter, spoons dipping in chili bowls–serenade us.
Fall time feels like an exhale as we settle into school-year rhythms and retire from the chaos of summer. We need it, yes? For our souls, drained from shorter–or missed–devotional time. For our homes, bearing the evidence of long days and less attention.
We enter autumn a bit unsteady. Feeling behind but also needing soul stillness. Burning candles as we grasp for inner peace.
So for both you and I, here are ten fall-back-on truths to anchor us this autumn season.
10 Truths To Steady You This Fall Season
1–God brings stability where there is chaos.
When the earth and everyone living upon it spin into chaos, I am the One who stabilizes and supports it.
Psalm 75:3, The Voice
No matter what feels out of control in our lives, God is bigger, and He is in control. We can trust that God is fully capable and paying careful attention. He’s not thrown off guard by anything that makes the news. He never ceases to be the God Who Steadies.
2–It’s not yours to carry. God carries you.
May they know You as a shepherd, carrying them at all times.
Psalm 28:9, The Voice
We carry around worry, a list of things to fix or hold together, perhaps a longer list of ways we’ve failed. But those are not burdens we need to struggle beneath. The truth is that we are being carried, at this very moment, by God Himself.
3–God shelters and guides you.
He spread out a cloud to cover His people, and sent a fire to light their way at night.
Psalm 105:39, The Voice
The very same God who watched over the Israelites is in your corner. His nature never changes. God is both cloud and candle, protector and way-lighter. Trust Him to lead you with kindness and wisdom. Trust Him to take care of you.
4–God keeps you close to Him.
The Eternal keeps you safe, so close to Him that His shadow is a cooling shade to you.
Psalm 121:5, The Voice
What a picture, right?! I love this visual for the days that feel uncertain.
God not only wants you to be safe, He wants you near Him.
When there is unrest in my soul or the unknowns loom large, I need the stability and comfort of God’s with-ness. I don’t just want assurance it will be okay, I long for His companionship, His voice, His steading, peace-exuding presence.
5–A good God created every season.
You are the Architect of the seasons . . .
Psalm 74:17, The Voice
Yes, fall is still my favorite. But I find comfort, with the hints of winter that autumn carries, in knowing that God authors all the seasons. He’s present in the wetness of spring, stirring hope as seeds sprout. He remains by our side as we make more time for play in the summer months. As the temperature drops and brings closure to the growing season, He’s right there. And as the days shorten and the sky looks dreary, still He stays, preparing us for coming seasons.
As Jennifer Dukes Lee writes in Growing Slow, “You don’t have to hurry anymore. Your pace is your pace, and it will get you to the place God has prepared for you.”
6–We are “grace-made.”
But here I am, a grace-made man, privileged to be an echo of His voice . . .
Ephesians 3:8, The Voice
It’s God’s grace that makes us who we are–His. Chosen. Tenderly loved. Family.
When all we see is our shortcomings and smallness, God looks at us and sees the perfection fashioned by His very own grace. So let’s let gratitude for our “grace-made” identity spill into our conversations and the way we carry ourselves. What greater privilege than to echo grace upon grace upon grace as we reflect Christ to the people around us?!
7–We are each God’s most favorite.
God doesn’t choose favorites among His children.
Galatians 2:6, The Voice
While we tend to compare (and put ourselves down!), God never wishes you were someone else. He’s not secretly thinking that you’re too much or not enough. He genuinely adores you. The truth is that we are each ruthlessly, relentlessly loved because each of us is immeasurably special to Him!
8–Our cracks reveal God’s character.
But this beautiful treasure is contained in us—cracked pots made of earth and clay—so that the transcendent character of this power will be clearly seen as coming from God and not from us.
2 Corinthians 4:7, The Voice
Even in times of intense crushing, we have this confidence: Christ within shines bright. When our curated impressions and our stubborn attempts at control become fractured, God is all the more visible. Our reliance on Him becomes a light for others.
We can exhale and lean on Jesus when all feels unsettled within or around us. We don’t have to hold it together. We only have to hold onto Him.
9–God hears and answers.
Because he has known Me by name, He will call on Me, and I will answer.
Psalm 91:14-15, The Voice
This tender truth turns us towards hope: God leans in. He hears our prayers. He eagerly responds. No matter what is on your mind, you can tell Him about it–with full confidence that He won’t miss a word.
10–God keeps His promises.
He has been true to His promises; fresh in His mind is His unfailing love for all of Israel.
Psalm 98:3, The Voice
He’s the sort of God who never runs short on love or backs out of a promise. Over and over, on every page of history, He proves Himself consistent. Trustworthy. True.
Even when we don’t understand something in front of, ahead of, or behind us, the Keeper of His Word is ever prompted by love. He’d give His very life to convince you of His love. In fact, He already has.
I hope these ten truths bring a settledness to your soul. Let’s pray these words together.
Lord, as we hold both the cozy and uncertain in our hands, plant Your truth down deep in our hearts. Turn our attention towards Your promises and root us in the hope we always have in You. In Your name, Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Just a friend over here in your corner,
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