7 signs God is calling you to rest and reflect this autumn

As the leaves change and the air cools, autumn brings a natural sense of slowing down and turning inward.

For many, this season isn’t just about the shift in weather — it’s a spiritual invitation to rest and reflect.

But how can you tell if God is calling you to take this time for rest?

In this article, we’ll explore seven signs that God may be nudging you to pause, reflect, and reconnect with Him this autumn.

Whether you’re feeling weary, overwhelmed, or simply seeking clarity, these signs can help you recognize His call to embrace rest and renewal in this season.

1. Persistent thoughts about slowing down

The first sign often manifests as a persistent thought or feeling about the need to slow down.

You may find yourself yearning for a quieter, simpler pace of life, even if everything on the surface seems to be going well.

This is not mere physical or mental fatigue; it’s a deep-seated desire for spiritual respite. It’s as though your soul is urging you to take a step back from the whirlwind of everyday life and spend more time in quiet contemplation.

This sign can often be mistaken for laziness or lack of ambition.

However, it’s crucial to recognize it for what it truly is – a divine nudge prompting you toward spiritual rest and reflection. It’s God’s way of saying, “Slow down, be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10).

Acknowledging this sign and adjusting your life accordingly can lead to greater spiritual growth and a deeper connection with God.

2. Drawn towards solitude and silence

Have you noticed that recently you’ve been craving moments of quiet?

You know, a break from the constant chatter, noise, and demands of daily life.

This is more than just a desire for ‘me time’; it’s about seeking a sacred space where you can commune with God without any distractions.

It’s about creating room for God to speak into your life and for you to listen attentively.

This inclination towards solitude and silence can manifest in different ways:

• Seeking out quiet spaces in your home or outdoors for prayer or meditation
• Turning off the TV, radio, or social media for periods of time
• Choosing to spend time alone rather than engaging in social activities

These are not signs of antisocial behavior or depression but indications that God is calling you to a deeper, more intimate relationship.

This silent communion can lead to profound spiritual insights and growth.

3. A heightened sensitivity to God’s presence

Interestingly, the third sign could be a heightened sensitivity to God’s presence. It’s as if your spiritual senses are being fine-tuned, making you more aware of God’s omnipresence in your life.

This heightened sensitivity can make you more attuned to God’s voice, guiding you through Scripture or prayer.

You may find that verses you’ve read countless times before suddenly take on new, deeper meanings.

Moreover, you might start seeing God in ordinary, everyday moments – a beautiful sunset, a child’s laughter, even in difficult circumstances. It’s as though God is whispering, “I’m here. I’m with you.”

This increased awareness of God’s presence is a beautiful invitation to engage more deeply with Him, to rest in His love, and to reflect on His teachings.

Instead of rushing through your spiritual practices, you’re encouraged to take your time, listen, and absorb. As this connection strengthens, your faith becomes more rooted and your spiritual journey, enriched.

4. An urge to pray more

How many times have you felt an inexplicable urge to pray more?

Well, this could be another sign.

Amid life’s busyness, you might feel a strong pull towards prayer, and a longing to communicate more intimately with God.

This isn’t about reciting memorized prayers; it’s about heart-to-heart conversations with God, where you pour out your joys, fears, hopes, and struggles.

You may even feel compelled to explore different forms of prayer – silent prayer, contemplative prayer, or even breath prayer. This urge to pray more is not about ticking off a religious duty; it’s about yearning for a deeper communion with God.

Did you know? According to a Pew Research study, 55% of Americans say they pray every day.

5. Increased empathy and compassion

Another sign that God is calling you to rest and reflect could be an increase in empathy and compassion toward others.

You might find yourself more sensitive to the pain and struggles of those around you, reflecting the compassionate heart of God.

This increased empathy might lead to:

• Praying more fervently for others
• Engaging in acts of kindness
• Seeking justice for the oppressed
• Bearing others’ burdens

Interestingly, this deepened compassion is not so much about doing more, but about being more – being more present, more loving, more like Christ.

As you rest and reflect, you become more attuned to God’s heart for people, which naturally leads to a deeper love and empathy for them.

Insight: Ephesians 4:32 reminds us to “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

6. A shift in priorities

If you’re experiencing a significant shift in your priorities, pay attention. This could be the sixth sign that God is calling you to rest and reflect this autumn.

It’s not about abandoning your responsibilities or goals, but about reevaluating them in the light of God’s will and purpose for your life.

You may find yourself more focused on eternal values rather than worldly success.

For instance, you might start placing more importance on relationships, personal growth, and spiritual development than on career advancement or material acquisitions.

This is God nudging you to align your life more closely with His ways.

We need to remember that our true worth lies not in what we do or achieve, but in who we are in Christ. By shifting our priorities, we make room for God to work in and through us, shaping us into the people He desires us to be.

7. Feeling more at peace

Finally, one of the most profound signs that God is calling you to rest and reflect this autumn could be a deep sense of peace.

You may start feeling a calmness and serenity that wasn’t there before.

Have you ever experienced a feeling of peace amidst chaos? Or found yourself feeling strangely calm during a storm?

That’s God’s peace – the kind that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

This divine peace is not dependent on circumstances. It’s a tranquility that comes from knowing you’re in God’s hands, regardless of what’s happening around you.

As you rest and reflect, you begin to trust God more and worry less, leading to a state of peace.

This tranquility is a gift from God, a sign that your season of rest and reflection is helping you to grow in faith and trust in Him.

Are you ready for your autumn of rest and reflection?

Heeding these signs and embracing a season of rest and reflection can lead to a deeper, more intimate relationship with God.

It’s about slowing down, creating room for God, and allowing His peace to fill your heart.

• Devote time each day for quiet prayer and Bible study.
• Listen for God’s voice in the silence.
• Observe your feelings and thoughts without judgment.

This isn’t about achieving a spiritual milestone but about deepening your connection with God. As you rest in His presence and reflect on His word, you will find yourself growing in faith, wisdom, and peace.

So take a moment. Breathe. Listen. Heed His call.

For in rest and reflection, we not only find respite but also wisdom and strength for the journey ahead.