Reflect and Surrender

October 20, 2025

From Pastor Eileen States

I am a doer. I see things that need to be done and I jump in to assist or take on the task myself. That’s not all bad, but all too often I find myself needing to take a step back to reorient myself with where God is and where He wants me to be. When I was in college, my roommate wrote on our mirror the words of Psalm 46:10 -  “Be still, and know that I am God.”  In her quiet unassuming way, she was reminding me that God was in control of my life. 

So. . .this is me, pausing, as the leaves begin to turn and fall gently to the ground, listening to God’s whisper, “Slow down.” Autumn invites us to pause, take a deep breath and reflect on God’s presence in our lives. In the midst of our schedules, noise, and constant motion, this verse calls us back to stillness, to remember that He is God, and we are held in His steady hands.

Another lesson I take from this beautiful Autumn season is the idea of letting go. Just as trees release their leaves, we too are invited to let go. The falling leaves remind us that there is beauty in release, in surrendering the things that no longer bring life. Maybe it’s a lingering hurt, a hidden bitterness, or a sin we’ve tried to carry on our own. Whatever burdens weigh on your heart, this is the season to lay them down before God. He doesn’t just take what we surrender, He replaces it with peace, freedom, and the gentle assurance of His love.

And as we surrender, God does something miraculous within us. He renews our hearts. The cold, calloused places begin to soften as His Spirit breathes life again. In that renewal, we find courage, the courage to love, to forgive, to shine His light into the world around us.

So, this fall, take time to reflect. Sit quietly in God’s presence. Let go of what you can’t control. And allow Him to do what only He can do, make you new. (P.S. that is a hint that Spring will be here before you know it!)