Creation has always spoken of the Lord’s sovereignty and loving care. Verses like Romans 1:20 show us how the boundless and ceaseless qualities of God are seen in creation. As it says, “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God “ (Romans 1:20). No season does this more quintessentially than autumn.  

This month, as we walk down sidewalks scattered with hues of marigold yellow and burnt orange leaves, creation is putting God’s glory on full display! As His creation cries out in worship all around us, it points to God’s intrinsic glory. It points to all of the things that sum up who He is: His holiness, His sovereignty, His love, His grace, and so on. It also summons us to do the same: point to the glory of God. 

Author Mary Oliver once gave “Instructions for living a life” which she simply coined as, “Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.” This is the charge we hear from the autumn creation. As the colors of this season point to God’s love with creativity, transformation, and passion, we too are to use our lives to point to the glory of God. We are called to notice His glory, be astonished by it, and tell others about it. 

What we can be sure of is that the more we come to know the Lord, the better we will be at accrediting Him this glory. The more we know Him, the faster our eyes will be to see His glory at work. The more we know Him, the quicker our mouths will be to tell about it. And each time we pause long enough in the crisp autumn air to see His glory at work, we are getting a clearer glimpse of what He is doing in our lives. With each crunch of leaves underneath our feet, we are assured that God walks with us. The trees towering above us stand as a reminder to stand firm in our faith as their falling leaves call us to a deeper trust in the power of Jesus to bring renewal in our spirits and breathe fresh life in us again. 

Psalm 96:7 says, “O nations of the world, recognize the Lord; recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong. Give to the Lord the glory he deserves! Bring your offering and come into his courts.”  

What is the Lord calling you to recognize in this season? Where is He directing your eyes? Pay attention to His glory at work, be astonished by it, and tell someone about it. In doing all of this, He is most magnified in our lives!

Dig Deeper

To get moving on this charge, carve out one hour a day to walk outside in God’s creation. Without preparation or plans, allow yourself to hear the voice of God speak. What is He saying to you? Where do you see His glory? Who will you tell about it?

Daily Readings

This article was originally titled “The Call of Autumn” in the November 2024 issue of Peer.