In my part of the world, fall came in the usual way. Crisp air hovered. Leaves slowly turned shades of red, gold, or some shade in between. But as autumn announced its arrival, my morning walk turned into a tour. Moments of praise joined moments of awe. A glimpse of the sun shimmering through the trees turned my observations into inspiration.

If you’ve followed this blog for a while, you know fall is my favorite season. Maybe you have a favorite season, too. Prosperous times or times when relationships or health are restored are welcome seasons on anyone’s calendar.

But when autumn takes its turn, harvest plans or pumpkin-everything comes to mind. Holiday celebrations hearken in the distance while year-end goals draw near.

However, I realize that in other parts of the world, the luxury of walking and looking at fall’s colors takes a back seat to other things. And yet, as I consider the beauty of autumn, I’m grateful for these scriptural reflections that encourage us in any season.

1. “Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest” (Exodus 34:21).

Who wouldn’t be excited about a harvest? But as we gather the fruit of our labor, we need the wisdom of God. In this verse, as He directed the Israelites’ pace, He declared their need for rest.

In the last quarter of the year, lingering goals can create pressure to finish. But including times of rest can create the clarity (and energy) we need to finish the year well.

2. “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” (Isaiah 40:8).

Is there a Bible verse you’re clinging to in this season? Maybe you have one-word for the year (I chose THIS) and you’re wondering how it will show up as the remaining days of the year countdown.

Withering grass may or may not happen where you live. But even with the best gardening skills, flowers will eventually fade. Yet in a world of constant change, one thing will last forever — the word of God. I want to live anchored in that Truth.

3. “Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before” (Joel 2:23).

Seeing rain as a symbol of God’s faithfulness brings a new meaning to dancing in the rain. But this rain also symbolizes a refreshing. Fatigue occurs if we’re tired of doing a task or overwhelmed by what’s happening to us or around us.

But just like God has replenished us before, He will again. May the trickle of autumn’s rain remind us of that.

4. “But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere” (2 Corinthians 2:14).

I know the official aroma of autumn is pumpkin. But the seasons of our lives invite us to experience a different aromatic. Each day, we’re invited into experience God’s grace and truth. As we are renewed, we become fragrant with the knowledge of Him. We have the power and privilege of taking that fragrance into our homes and our communities so others will know him, too.

How will we choose to make Him known? Consider sending a text or a note of encouragement. It can do wonders to brighten someone’s day. Giving of our time, talent, or resources can make a difference this fall and beyond.

5. “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains” (James 5:7).

Patience gives us the power to anticipate God while being assured of His promises. Are you waiting on something to begin or improve? Just like farmers are willing to wait for a valuable crop, we can be willing to wait for the way God brings us victory.

Yes, fall is much more than a lovely array of colors. May the unique wonder of this season also turn your observations into inspiration.

All Scriptural references are in the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible.