Fall is one of my
favorite times of year. I love the reds, browns and golds of the season. I can
observe the beautiful leaves as I drive onto our street, with the large oak
trees lining the lawns, including ours. Each day I’ve noticed how the colors get
more and more vivid. From the green hues of summer to pale yellows of early
fall to the brightest autumn colors. Oak and sweet gum leaves are aflame with
color. The view is always so nice.
As I drove into our
street yesterday afternoon I was surprised to notice a big change in the view. Ankle
deep leaves now line the street while most of the trees are pretty bare. The
season has changed again and it’s beginning to look like winter. The stark
reality was colder and less welcoming. I remembered that my home was filled
with light and warmth and color. I couldn’t wait to get inside and gaze at our
lovely Christmas tree and rest.
Life can change in an
instant, just like the seasons. One day you’re enjoying the beautiful view and
all is well. The next day things can change. The outlook can go from pleasant and
enjoyable to stark and cold in the blink of an eye. Outside there are troubles,
dangers, temptations, and more. Hurts and anguish can totally replace the
warmth of former days. Our reliance on the world around us becomes very
apparent when it all goes south. That’s when we long for the warm fire of our
home and the familiar smells and sights that bring us great comfort.
God spoke to my heart.
The Christian life has seasons as well. When life goes into winter mode and we
find nothing pleasant in the view and our hearts are cold from the troubles, we
seek for solace somewhere. As soon as we go into the house of God, into His
presence, we are relieved. Things outside of His presence may not change
quickly or ever, but God’s presence is the only thing we really need to fulfill
the longing of our hearts. His warmth is ever present, His truth is full of the
colors of His personality and essence and we find that in basking in Him we are
not only revived, we are strengthened for the next day.
Oh beloved, run to the
Lord! Rest in His promises! Seek out His loving presence. He’s calling you to
come in out of the weather and sit with Him. Relax in all that He is. He is
greater than your troubled world, He is full of warmth. All you need,
absolutely everything, is met in Him. It may be winter in your life, but in His
presence it’s lovely! Gaze into His
Wonderful Face and rest in Him. His love will warm you all the days of your
life and His comfort and care will cause you to forget your surroundings as you
concentrate totally on Him. He takes
your ordinary problem filled days and makes them Holy as He consecrates your
life to Himself! Thank Him today for He is your refuge and source of blessings
always.
Psalm 43:3-5 Send out your light and your truth;
let them guide me. Let them lead me to
your holy mountain, to the place where you live. There I will go to the altar of God. To
God—the source of all my joy. I will praise you with my harp, O God, my God! Why
am I discouraged? Why is my heart
so sad? I will put my hope in God! I
will praise Him again— my Savior and my God!
2 Corinthians 1:3 All praise to God, the
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source
of all comfort.
Psalm 31:20 You hide them in the shelter of your
presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in
your presence, far from accusing tongues.
Psalm 91:1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will
find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
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