The Artwork of Autumn Leaves – Trusting God in Difficult Times

Brooke Hackman

60 minutes ago

4 min read

Photo courtesy of Brooke Hackman

Scripture

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy. Psalm 96:11-12 (NIV)

Do you ever ask yourself, "Why do I struggle to trust God in difficult times when He always comes through, always provides, and always makes a way?" You've witnessed His miraculous deeds, yet you are hesitant to let go of control and let God be God. Brooke encourages you to silence your tough internal monologue, get still, and expect God to move on your behalf.

In autumn, it is hard for any believer to look at the world around them and not see God’s craftsmanship on full display. From the changing autumn colors on once all-emerald trees, I see real-time reminders of God as the ultimate planner and first-class designer of the world He created and continues to regenerate. At times, it can evoke a sense of expectancy for what He may have next for me (Psalm 96:11-12).

Autumn collage of a book and coffee on a knit blanket, fallen leaves, leaf close-up, and a woman tossing leaves outdoors.

As I contemplate all this, I am also reminded of another season and example in Luke 12:27: "Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all His glory was not arrayed like one of these." Other examples of God’s creation declaring His glory include animals preparing for winter by gathering extra food and hibernating without a hanging calendar on the walls of their dens. Days quietly change their pattern of sunlight as the Earth never ceases to turn and tilt. And that serene, almost mute ambiance that fills the air as snow falls effortlessly and covers the ground.

All of these instances should inspire awe of our Lord and His glory at work from Heaven, as we haggle with day-to-day duties and unplanned, dreaded moments.

You would think that with all these unprovoked examples in nature, I would find trusting God with all my worries, big and small, automatic and second nature (pun intended). I mean, my life is saturated with examples, big and small, that have shown His glory, forgiveness, and mercy in full display (even with extra oomph sprinkled in).

Yet, there are times I feel like I’ve never left the chasm of disbelief and anxiety. Like I am staring up from what feels like an impossible leap from "this is never going to change" to “the peace that surpasses all human understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

With fall coming up, I implore you (and myself) to take a deep breath and know that, just as the changing leaves do not require proof that winter exists, these very things also prove that behind the scenes, God and His faithfulness are still at work in full fashion.

Autumn leaves blur around a park bench and tree with a white quote by Brooke Hackman and LEIGHTONLANE.COM overlaid.

Trusting God in Difficult Times No Matter the Season

In all honesty, I am not a fan of colder weather at all. My favorite seasons all involve cherry blossoms, the smell of freshly cut grass, and the need for sunscreen. However, God has led me to see the transition from summer to winter as a new, transcendent beginning of sorts, even though all my human eyes see are dead trees and shivering people. But I've never had a fall (or winter) without shelter, heat, and hope. In fact, during these colder seasons I get to enjoy quality time with people I love, cooped up and excited for Christmas and sledding down the big hill behind my house.

Let’s go back to the changing autumn colors. Every time I drive down the road that leads away from my house (please see picture), I see a menagerie of colors only God could design. The leaves represent autumn without even trying; they change, stay for a little while, and then fall with the cold rain. God orchestrates this fall blanket and landscape, according to the plan He set in place on Day 3 in Genesis.

This fall, take moments to soak in the fact that just as God has greatly created nature and its numerous miraculous happenings, He also finds the same (more in fact) joy and satisfaction in you. When, on your worst days, when all your leaves wither and fall, subject to your tough internal monologue that's difficult to shut off, He marvels at you all the more than any lily or autumn leaf, and He longs for you to be still and expectant before Him as life moves and you worship at His feet.

Questions for Reflection

Have you ever equated the changing autumn leaves with “singing for joy?” How does this imagery compel you to view change in your own life?
Think of something you are thankful for at this very moment. Give thanks to God and think about how this might lead you into the next season, and how you might use it to glorify God and His kingdom.

Let's Pray

God, change my eyes to see myself the way you do: a purposeful creation with a holy assignment to point others to you. Lord, may I see the bold and beautiful colors of fall as a reminder of what you can do, not only because you control the master plan of the universe, but also the plan for my life. Just as you know each leaf and its color every season, you know me, my needs, and how best to meet them. Change my heart so I see the world around me as a tribute to you, and may I worship you with admiration and trust. Amen

Meet Our Guest Writer

Brooke R. Hackman is an accomplished overthinker (which is why she likes to write so much), and she strives to bring connection and perspective to all her creative endeavors, especially those centered on self-enrichment and personal meaning. Brooke is also working on a soon-to-be children’s book on adoption.

Brooke has a BA in Electronic Broadcast Journalism from Washburn University. She is also the social media and communications coordinator for her church’s adoption and foster care ministry, a freelance writer, blogger, and marketing copywriter.

When not working, she enjoys RV trips with her husband and three beautiful children. Her hobbies include watching college football, taking walks, and spending time with her family (including their two dogs) because that’s where the best memories are made.