Rooted in His Rhythm: Trusting God Through the Seasons of Life

Each of us moves through changing seasons of life, where faith deepens not in the ease of summer but in the quiet of fall and the stillness of winter. Nature reflects growth, rest, and renewal as a divine rhythm in the journey of spiritual development.

The trees remind us that transformation doesn’t always happen in the sunlight. Sometimes, the most meaningful spiritual growth occurs when we are called to release, rest, and trust in God’s plan, even when the path ahead seems uncertain.

Fall for Rest or Fall for Preparation?

This is the time of year when trees in Minnesota begin to change color as winter approaches. It's a breathtaking display of God's design. As I drove north to a friend's cabin, I noticed spots of yellow and, every so often, a tree that was already showing its brilliant undertones of color, which had been camouflaged by the green it had during the growing season. These flashes of color come with mixed emotions. Excitement in seeing the beauty of fall, with the reality that a long and cold Minnesota winter will soon follow. 

As I traversed the countryside, brilliant-colored trees attracted my attention. Those that were still green were ignored. Then it hit me.

I was actually observing trees that were preparing for the cold season. In tropical regions, trees often lose their leaves to prepare for a dry season. The trees were no longer relying on producing energy to grow and bear fruit. As they prepare for a harsh season, they even take some of the energy from the leaves and store it in their roots. They obey the plans God programmed into them at creation. They pause, and as they do so, they reveal the brilliant colors that were hidden. It is the season we are drawn to, accompanied by going on walks through the rustling leaves and enjoying the briskness of the days. People especially notice the trees displaying hues of red, yellow, and orange among the thousands of trees that were still green. 

There will be times, friends, when we will be provoked to prepare for a harsh season. Have we stored food to sustain us during this time? I am not referring to physical food, but to spiritual food. Sometimes the harsh season will seem like everything that can be stripped away is. We may even feel like dying in the process. In truth, Father God causes rejuvenation at the appropriate time and provides us with nourishment to start us to grow again, bearing fruit according to our gifts and talents. We grow in this process because we learn about the all-sustaining nature of God, who cares for and sustains us. As we sense the cessation of productivity in what we experienced in the last season, can we trust His plan to prepare us for the next? Trust in His plan brings peace and reassurance, knowing that He is always with us.

In the context of loved ones who don't know the nature of God, many strive in their own strength and delay the growth of God within them. They may become hardened, angry, or resentful as God leads them through a harsh season, allowing them to seek Him. We pray they will eventually become unsatisfied and realize their choices will cause a certain death if they don't change. Often, they guard themselves from us and paint their leaves green to deny the truth of their pain. They don't know how to follow God's order to be protected and ready for the next season of growth. 

What if we sought the Lord's face to hear His heart for them? What if we let go of the disappointment, along with the heartache, and chose to love them with their painted leaves until they see who they were created to be? Let's acknowledge their potential by recognizing that they can be true to the nature God created them to be. By seeking God's heart, we can gain a deeper understanding and empathy for our loved ones, fostering a stronger connection and love for them. 

Like each tree that shows its colors in the fall season at different times, let's not get discouraged by the timing of our lost loved one, who we consider is late in showing their true colors. It will happen at the command of the God of all nature. Let's be confident of this: He who began a good work in our loved one will be faithful to complete it. 

I would love to hear your perspective on this. What thought has this brought to you?

Trusting God’s Seasons

This reflection captures a timeless truth that God’s creation mirrors His process in us. Just as trees obey His design, believers are called to rest, release, and root deeper in His presence during seasons of spiritual change. Every time life slows, it’s not a pause in growth but a preparation for renewal.

Fall reminds the soul that surrender isn’t failure; it’s faith in action. To “fall” for rest means to lean into God’s rhythm, allowing Him to prune what no longer bears fruit. To “fall” for preparation means to store His Word, His promises, and His peace deep within so that when winter comes, the roots of faith will hold firm.

For loved ones walking through spiritual drought, Judy’s message reminds us to see them through the eyes of grace. Like leaves that hide their color until the right season, their transformation may be unseen, but God’s hand is always at work.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Reflection Prayer

“Lord, teach us to rest in Your seasons and to trust the beauty of your plan. Help us prepare our hearts for what’s ahead and to love those still finding their way back to You. May our roots go deep in faith, and may our lives display the colors of Your grace in every season. Amen.”