3 Ways to Reflect on God’s Faithfulness through the Changing Seasons

1. Observe the Leaves as They Fall

We’re currently in the fall season. Depending on where you live, you get to enjoy the leaves changing with their breathtaking display of colors. You likely have a good rain and a few windy days, and you sigh as the leaves drift calmly to the ground.

It’s been said that the fall season represents letting go. The trees are letting go of their old leaves and turning inward for the coming winter to direct their energy toward the new growth that will sprout in the spring. Have you ever thought about how this points to God’s faithfulness?

Think about the cycle our trees go through in light of your own life. What things do you need to let go of? What bad habits, negative thought processes, or sin struggles need to be put to rest? What do you need to let go of in order to direct your energy toward spiritual growth?

This brings to mind Romans 12:2, which tells us to be transformed by the renewal of our minds. How faithful is our God that He would love us enough not to leave us as we are? He is always giving us opportunities to grow, change, transform, and be renewed.

We see this in the spring when life breaks free from seeds and sprouts into something new. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:36 that what you sow does not come to life unless it dies. God designed seeds to die in order for new life to grow from them, just as He designed us to put our old selves to death in order to have new life in Him (Col 3:3-5).

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2. Observe the Flowers as They Grow

When I think about change and personal growth, I like to think back on how I once was versus how I currently am and then take it a step further—how I hope to be in the future. Have you ever planted flowers in the spring? Have you patted the dirt over a seed or bulb with anticipation of seeing the tiny green sprout poking out from the ground?

Once you see the sprout, you can’t help but think about how, in the coming weeks, it will look more and more like a flower. The stem will grow stronger, the leaves will form, and the bud will appear on top, most likely closed up as if waking from a nap.

Over time, the stem and leaves will get stronger and thicker, and the bud will spread out into a glorious bloom. The transformation is astounding. But have you thought about what makes this possible? God supplies all the needed nutrients from the soil and brings the rain and sunshine to nourish this plant. Have you thought about how He provides for you in just the same way?

Just as you ponder the growth of a seed into a flower, think about who you once were, perhaps before knowing the Lord. Who have you been, and who are you becoming in light of His presence in your life? Who has He brought into your life to plant seeds, to water them, and to nourish you as your knowledge and understanding bloom?

He is faithful. Oh, is He faithful. Let this direct you to Philippians 1:6, which reminds us that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. This tells us that we are not yet in full bloom. But He is faithful, and our transformation will be completed when we see Jesus face to face.

3. Observe the Blanket of Snow and Falling Rain

When I think of God’s faithfulness to continue His good work in me, I can’t help but think about the winter months. For many, snow in the forecast is inconvenient as schools are delayed and traffic is slowed down. It can mean more work as driveways and sidewalks have to be cleared, which is a breeding ground for grumbling.

What if, instead of grumbling, we took time to reflect on the creativity of our God and Creator? What if, instead of seeing a pile of snow that needs clearing, we see a showcase of God’s creativity; billions of intricately-formed snowflakes, each unique in its design?

What if we look at the often crippling winter weather and see it purposed by God to glorify Himself. He sends the snow (Job 37:6), He scatters the frost (Psalm 147:16), and He allows them both to shine a spotlight on His supremacy (Job 38:22). Let us reflect on His faithfulness by appreciating the glory and beauty of God’s power on display.

If that isn’t enough, what if we take in the blinding white snowscape and think about Isaiah 1:18, which says, “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”

What more do you need this winter than a firm reminder that through Jesus Christ our Lord, our sins have been forgiven, blotted out, and made as white as snow? He is ever faithful!

I think of this same concept in the spring and summer when we have steady rainfall. 1 Corinthians 6: 9-11 reminds us that we were once all unrighteous, but we were washed, we were sanctified, we were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” He is faithful!

These examples just scratch the surface of ways to reflect on God’s faithfulness through the seasons. I do hope, though, that these examples will make you more aware of your surroundings as the seasons come and go and that you think about ways to apply what is happening in nature to yourself.

I hope that as you find ways to reflect on God’s faithfulness, you are brought to appreciation, praise, and a newfound delight of your Lord and Savior. May God’s care and provision for His creation remind you of His care and provision for you. May you ever be reminded of His faithfulness.