08/31/2026
Psalm 19:1
The heavens are telling the glory of God,
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
I’m getting excited: it’s almost autumn! That’s my favorite time of the year. Growing up in the northern part of the country, autumn is amazing – it’s the most colorful time for trees, shrubs, and the bluest sky! Sure, flowers are pretty in spring and summer, but it’s muggy and hot. In autumn, the air is fresh and crisp. Apples, cider, pumpkins, and squash appear, and God’s beauty bursts forth in a way that is unequaled in any other season. Autumn really show’s God’s glory. It also brings a new school year, with clean paper, new pencils, and the beginning of sports like football (American and European) and basketball, and tailgating, and bonfires…
I can’t read the opening line of Psalm 19 without thinking of the oratorio “The Creation” by Haydn. I blessing of spending 9 years singing in Atlanta with Robert Shaw, and when we performed “The Creation,” Mr. Shaw made his own translation, reading “with wonders of his works/resounds the firmament.” I always think of crunchy leaves underfoot. The whole earth is shouting “Hey, look here, see what God did!” And it’s not just about nature; it’s about us too. Look at what God did making us.
So how are we “resounding” in the firmament?
Autumn is a time for new beginnings – that’s not just a spring thing! Perhaps the fall is when your group begins to gather items for Thanksgiving baskets; maybe you make quilts; autumn might be the beginning of your group’s Bible study or book club. Where I serve, our men’s group grills hamburgers and hot dogs for the local elementary school on their “meet your teacher” evening. That’s when the school supplies we gathered over the summer are distributed. I can only imagine how loudly the firmament is resounding!
The firmament sometimes groans and sighs, and even wails. Autumn is a time of introspection, a time when the light is dimming, and we are drawing closer to the darkness of winter – and holidays, which can be difficult for people. Sometimes autumn is the beginning of a long, lonely season. This would be a great time to start a card ministry – write actual cards, not emails! Send them to people who are alone, people who might be becoming mournful. It’s never too soon to start thinking about how your song can make a difference in the life of someone else.
The heavens are telling the glory of God! Let God’s glory resound through you this week, and help the firmament shake with the mighty chorus of God’s wonders!
