Finding God in the Shift of Seasons

A Sanctuary of Spiritual Protection:

The air is changing. You can feel it, can't you? It's that subtle, almost imperceptible shift from the lazy, sun-drenched days of summer to the crisp, golden hush of autumn. September arrives not with a bang, but with a gentle sigh, bringing with it the promise of cooler weather, cozy sweaters, and the warm, earthy colors of fall. For some, this change is a welcome relief, a breath of fresh air after the oppressive heat. But for many, this transition is a time of quiet struggle.

The days begin to grow noticeably shorter, pulling the light away from us a little earlier each evening. The vibrant, active energy of summer fades, replaced by a stillness that can feel heavy and isolating. For those who battle with anxiety, depression, or a general feeling of unease, this time of year can be particularly difficult. The specter of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) looms, and the rapid-fire succession of holidays—Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's—can feel less like a joyful celebration and more like a high-speed train we're not ready to board. The pressure to be "happy" and "together" can feel overwhelming, especially when we feel anything but. It's in this vulnerable space that we are most susceptible to the lies and schemes of the enemy.

The enemy of our souls is a master of timing, and he often uses these seasonal shifts to sow seeds of doubt, fear, and hopelessness. He whispers that you are alone, that your worries are too big for God, and that you should simply retreat and wait for the darkness to pass. But as children of God, we are not called to retreat; we are called to stand firm. This changing season is not a time to pull away from God, but a profound invitation to draw nearer to Him than ever before.

Clad in the Armor of God

In Ephesians 6, the Apostle Paul gives us a blueprint for spiritual warfare. He tells us to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes" (Ephesians 6:11). This isn't just a metaphor for a dramatic spiritual battle; it's a practical guide for our daily lives, especially in seasons of vulnerability.

Think of it this way: the breastplate of righteousness protects your heart from despair and self-condemnation. When you feel a wave of anxiety, the enemy might try to convince you that your struggle is a sign of your unworthiness. But the breastplate of righteousness reminds you that your worth is not found in your performance or your feelings, but in the perfect righteousness of Christ.

The helmet of salvation is your defense against the enemy's mental assaults. It guards your mind from lies that tell you your situation is hopeless or that you are too broken to be healed. When these thoughts creep in, the helmet of salvation allows you to stand on the truth of God's Word: you are saved, you are loved, and you are not defeated.

The shield of faith is perhaps the most powerful piece in this season. It's the spiritual barrier that extinguishes the "fiery darts of the evil one" (Ephesians 6:16). Those darts are the worries, the negative thoughts, and the fears that are thrown at us to make us doubt God's goodness and provision. With every anxious thought, we can raise our shield of faith, trusting that God is in control, even when we can't see the path ahead.

This armor is our spiritual sanctuary—a divine, protected space where we can find refuge. It is the arbor of God, a place of rest and safety in the midst of the storm. An arbor is a beautiful, sheltered garden space, often with climbing vines that provide shade and protection. In the same way, God's protection is a beautiful sanctuary where we can be nourished and find peace, even as the world around us grows cold.

The Practice of Drawing Near

So how do we actively put on this armor and step into the arbor of God? It's a daily, intentional practice.

Turn Your Worries into Prayers: Don't let your anxieties fester in the dark corners of your mind. Instead, as soon as a worry surfaces, lift it up to God. Be specific. Tell Him exactly what is on your heart. This act of releasing your burden is a powerful act of faith.

Immerse Yourself in His Word: The Bible is the sword of the Spirit, our offensive weapon. In a season where external comfort may be lacking, fill yourself with the truth of God's promises. Read a Psalm about His faithfulness, study a passage about His peace, or find comfort in His assurance that He is always with you.

Let Worship Be Your Air: There is a supernatural power in worship. When we feel overwhelmed, putting on worship music and simply praising God can shift our entire spiritual atmosphere. It reorients our focus from our problems to His greatness. Praise becomes a shield against the darkness, a declaration of His sovereignty over all things.

This autumn, let's not give in to the instinct to retreat. Let's make a conscious decision to lean in. The cooler months may tempt us to pull back, but this is precisely the time to press forward. Let's make this an intentional season of drawing nearer to the heart of God, finding our strength and our peace in the sanctuary of His presence. In the face of a changing world, let us be unwavering in our faith, standing firm in the divine arbor of His protection.