Autumn is here and I believe the hype. It’s my favorite season. The colorful leaves, cooler temperatures and pumpkin spiced everything create a harvest of happiness in me.

But what if God has a favorite season? As the Creator of all things, of course He loves all of His creation. (see Revelation 4:11)

However, when I think of what appeals to His holiness and love, I won’t presume to think for the Almighty. But He does seem to have a soft spot for a season of restoration.

“The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: “I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts.” (Isaiah 57:15 NLT)

Not only does God abide with the contrite and humble; He restores them too. It is how we come to Him through faith in Christ. Hence, there is a season of restoration on our yearly calendar. Lent is 40 days of reflection on the events surrounding Christ’s death for our sin. It culminates with the celebration of His resurrection (Easter).

But as life shifts between what should be and what used to be, I’m glad we can experience God’s renewal anytime.

Winter, spring, summer, and my beloved fall might take issue with my adding a new season to the list. But the colors, temperature and flavors of restoration are not experienced as leaves reach their peak color or in the foam of a lovely latte.

Grace colors the soul with favor when something significant to us gets another chance to succeed. The warmth of mercy fills the air for anyone turning (or returning) to God in repentance over their sin.

With a renewed sense of hope and a willingness to trust Him, we can’t help but “taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8)

Yet, my desire for restoration peaks when what is good breaks or what feels best exists no more.

Hence, when my faith breaks, my soul cries out to God, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.” (Psalm 51:12 NLT)

In heart break, I can still realize, “You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth.” (Psalm 71:20 NLT)

When resources are gone, by God’s grace I can say, “Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert.” (Psalm 126:4 NLT)

Is there something you lack or long to see again?

After a season of difficulty, restoration awaits. It comes to the crushed spirit of the humble because they come to the high and holy God.

Restoring broken lives is something only He can do. He’s done so much for me and He still does. I love the way God heals and renews far more than I love autumn. But what about you? What’s your favorite season? If it’s autumn, you’ve got a friend in me. But if it’s restoration, you’ve got a friend in God.

Let’s go to Him in prayer:

Dear God, In my brokenness I turn to You. In my pride, I submit to You. I repent of my sin and receive forgiveness through faith in Christ. Restore my _________________________. Grant me the strength and courage I need to walk by faith. Thank You for my season of restoration. In Jesus’s Name, Amen!