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The gentle fall breeze refreshes and inspires
My wife and I are huge Mustang fans and just bought a new one. We enjoy the fall beauty with the changing colors, the cool crisp air and the amazing sunsets in beautiful central Pennsylvania. And now with heated seats and good jackets, we can cruise a little later. Cruising Big Valley, Huntington County and winding up the mountain and valley roads refreshes and inspires like nothing else. The sun glistening off the now golden corn creates a picture image of God's care. Most of all, it reminds us of God, His presence and faithfulness and His ongoing creative power.
Fall is a time of beauty. Nevertheless, it reminds us of the changing seasons of life. Soon I will celebrate my 63rd birthday and I'm reminded of these changing seasons. Winter will come, life will change, but God's presence does not. The sweet assurance He is with us in every season comforts me.
Breeze or wind represents the presence of God
In Genesis 3 we are told Adam and Eve walked "in the breeze of the Day' in the presence of God. My dad often loved walking in the woods in the fall, and it reminded him of God's care and presence. The crisp leaves beneath your feet, the sun shining through the colors, the sound of squirrels and wildlife reveal God's creation.
Last year we hiked in the gentle coolness of the Alaskan rain forest near Mendenhall Glacier. What pristine pure beauty and the softness of the forest revealed God's sacred presence.
We often look for God in the big things, but His presence is most often seen and felt in the gentle breezes of life.
In 1 Kings 19 we read the story of Elijah who expected God in the fire, and in the loud voice. However, after earthquake and fire, it was the "gentle whisper" where God was heard and revealed.
What gentle whispers is God using to speak to you? Too often I want the big things, the loud voice, the billboard, and the big street signs, rather than seeing, trusting, and following God in the simple things.
The gentle breeze is a reminder of the safety in God's presence and care
The psalmist declared "Lord, help!" they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.
29 He calmed the storm to a whisper
and stilled the waves.
30 What a blessing was that stillness
as he brought them safely into harbor!"
We read a similar story in the Gospels (Mark 4 and Matthew 8) where Jesus commands the calm on the sea. The disciples were beyond frightened, and rightly so. In recent years, ancient shipwreck finds from that period reveal the danger of those seas. My brother is a navy vet and tells stories of being on the sea in bad storms and the massive waves. It can be fearful, but God is present to calm the seas.
For what storms of your life need to hear the words "Peace be Still?" How is God quietly speaking to you in that gentle whisper?
Breeze or wind represents the Spirit or Presence of God who guides us into all truth.
"Jesus answered, "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[b] gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You[c] must be born again.' 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." (Jn 3:8, NIV)
The Greek word for Spirit and wind are the same. His presence blows and moves both powerfully and gently.
Are you seeking meaning, guidance and authentic truth and relationship in
a world of brokenness, loudness and uncertainty?
May you experience not only the beauty and refreshment of the fall breezes, but may the Spirit of God refresh, renew and guide you.
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Dan Hamilton is chaplain at Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital.