Falling for Fall: God’s Beautiful Seasons

I am quite sure I say this every 12 months, but I love this time of year! The leaves have been falling, the air is more crisp, we have had rain. I had my chimney cleaned and have started burning wood again. It’s boot and sweater weather and I love it.

Thoughts of hot coco, corn stalks and pumpkins replace plans to picnic at the beach and raft the river. I love fall!

Have you ever considered that God did not have to give us seasons? He could have designed this world to function properly without seasons. Personally, I think God gave us seasons for our enjoyment. Yes, there is great design in Creation: Winter’s snow, high in the mountains, becomes summer’s rivers and streams. Autumn’s fallen leaves become compost and nutrients for the trees and plants. And so much more.

There certainly is much thought in the design of seasons, but more so, I think, God gave us seasons for the very reason I am writing about it this morning. Because it feels good. It looks good. It smells good. It even tastes good.

Our senses come alive with the changing colors of leaves; red, yellow, orange, brown, even purple.

What was once green is now vividly changing colors before releasing its grasp on the tree limb it clung to all summer. Soon those trees will become stark skeletons, allowing us to see beyond what was once hidden by their leaves.

New tastes are finishing up in the garden…pumpkins and squash, carrots, beets, parsnips.

We were taught in school that earth’s tilted axis is what causes the seasons. Science is not sure why the earth spins on a slant. They theorize that when earth was young it was hit by a giant asteroid that knocked the earth out of line. But we know an all-powerful Creator God made it that way!

"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease." Genesis 8:22 NIV

The Bible does not mention specifically that the earth is tilted on its axis, but it does mention some wonderful things about the earth that were contrary to the ‘science’ of the day.

One example is when the Old Testament was written. At that time in earth’s history people believed the earth was flat. However, Isaiah described God as sitting “upon the circle of the earth” Isaiah 40:22 (NKJV) and Job tried to describe His greatness with: “He stretches out the north over empty space; He hangs the earth on nothing” Job 26:7 NKJV

Let’s give credit where credit is due! Our God is an awesome God.

“For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens, who is God, who formed the earth and made it, who has established it, who did not create it in vain, who formed it to be inhabited: “I am the Lord, and there is no other.” - Isaiah 45:18 NKJV

Did you catch those 6 words in the middle there? “did not create it in vain”.

Creation is perfect.

Consider wildfires. While wildfires can be destructive, they also play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem health. Some plant species have adapted to rely on wildfires to release seeds and stimulate new growth. The heat from fires can also help break down thick layers of leaves and debris, allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor, which encourages the growth of new plants.

The Earth's soil naturally renews through decomposition and nutrient cycling. Leaves, dead plants, and organic matter from the previous season contribute to the creation of nutrient-rich humus. This fertile soil, in turn, supports the growth of new vegetation, completing the cycle of life and decay.

Many animals migrate to different regions as seasons change, often in search of food, better breeding conditions, or to avoid extreme weather. This natural movement of species helps maintain population balance and ensures the survival of various ecosystems.

Many plants have mechanisms for seed dispersal, such as the production of seeds with wings, burrs, or other means that allow them to be carried by wind, water, or animals to new locations. This natural process helps plants colonize new areas and ensures their survival.

Coral reefs can recover from disturbances, such as storms or coral bleaching events. Corals can regrow and reproduce, and over time, the reef can return to its former state, thanks to the regenerative abilities of these organisms.

Wetlands and forests act as natural water purification systems. They filter and clean water as it flows through, removing pollutants and improving water quality. This process is vital for maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems. This list goes on and on.

Earth has built-in mechanisms to adapt, recover, and sustain, all put in place by our amazing Creator God.

"But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?" Job 12:7-10 NIV

by Jeanette Stark – Friday, November 3, 2023