Nature's Glory Gives Me a Reason to Hope

Let me set the stage.

My favorite season (Fall) is here. For the last couple of weeks, it’s been relatively cool in the Northeast with temperatures in the 70’s during the day and dipping into the 50’s at night. The trees sensing the approach of old man winter are already beginning to shed their leaves as I write this article over the Labor Day weekend. I’m looking forward to taking some road trips to see the leaves turn color.

Here, in the Shenandoah Valley, it is a gorgeous thing to behold–the shades of red, orange, gold, yellow and green all vying to dazzle the eyes. Skyline Drive in Virginia is my favorite place to view fall foliage while also enjoying a nice drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains. It winds through some of the higher elevations of Shenandoah National Park. I’m sure each of you have some of your own favorite places to visit and view fall foliage.

As I was sitting on my deck one cool weekend morning, sipping on a cup of hot ginger chai and looking at the leaves fall around me, I thought about how bare those trees would get in a couple more months. They will be stripped of their splendor by the elements and open to the cold winds, the rain and the snow during the winter months.

And I started thinking of the state of my soul.

Like those trees, I lay myself bare before God whose gaze cuts through the clutter of thoughts and plans and excuses and exposes my heart and my motives. And in that moment, my soul is naked and exposed before Him. I confess that I am not worthy, that I have fallen short, that I am a sinner in need of his everlasting mercy and I receive His forgiveness. And I bask in His love as the sun breaks through the clouds.

I am refreshed and renewed to tackle the chores of the day. I know that God is working in me to fulfill the good works He has predestined for me to do. I know that He will pick me up when I fall. Not far on the heels of autumn is winter. I know that I have to die in order that I might live. I’m not too keen on putting the flesh to death, but I also know that it’s the path to freedom and life.

Do I have patience through each season?

New growth begins after the winter. Flowers poke their way up from the soil as winter gives way to spring and so it is with our lives which follow the pattern of the seasons. Seasons give me hope. I know that they don’t last forever. The seeds we have planted will bear fruit as we let the Master water them. We just have to be patient and wait and watch, with God.

Gentle reader, I’ve always struggled with quieting my soul and listening to God. I am a man of action. It’s hard for me to sit down and just wait on God and yet that is such an important dimension of our spiritual life. It’s in communion with nature that I’ve finally found that I can be silent and let God talk to me through His creation.

The psalmist says,

“The heavens declare the glory of God and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. Day after day, they pour forth speech”

God speaks through us through His creation. As you enjoy your walks along the trails or a run by the beach or as you spend time planting fall bulbs in your garden, or maybe just a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood with your dog, quiet your heart. Observe the beauty of God’s creation. Lay your worries and anxieties about a spouse at His feet. Read Matthew Chapter 6 and then reflect on God’s provision for His children.

Listen for that still small voice. It comes at the most unexpected of times, often when we least expect it. And with it comes hope.