By Ashley McIlwain

The leaves have all changed, splashing the landscape around me with brilliant hues of red, yellow, and orange. I love breathing in the crisp air deeply and allowing it to flood my lungs. The sun warms my chilled nose with its golden rays of light. A wave of emotion overcomes me as I savor and delight in the splendor that envelops me; it’s almost too much to take in.

Recently, as I’ve indulged in the beauty of autumn, my favorite season, I’ve begun to realize something important. God is in the details.

It amazes me when I examine a fallen leaf, the incredible intricacies of it. The veins that run through it like little aqueducts pumping water and life to and through it. The texture of it underneath my fingertips. It’s ability to change with the seasons. Its shape and edges. It’s beautiful, and yet, it’s just one of countless leaves out there. And it’s just one of innumerable incredibly miraculous things God’s created.

When I take the time to notice God’s creation, it tells me so much about who He is. He is a detailed God who delights in beauty and artistry. He’s the artist of all artists. He enjoys variety and change. He’s meticulous and careful. He’s simple and yet complex. His works are so splendid that they create awe by even those who don’t know or believe in Him. Being in nature, admiring His handiwork ushers me into His presence, and I bask in it.

I’m reminded of Romans 1:20 which says, “For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Creation reveals God’s nature to us even though we can’t actually see Him with our own two eyes. .

When I ponder this and observe that which God has created, I’ve gleaned wisdom for living life to the fullest and in all circumstances.

There’s no denying that life has its ups and downs, hills and valleys, highs and lows. Sometimes it’s amazing, and sometimes it couldn’t be worse. There are times when our life is in shambles and times where it couldn’t be better. The same is true for our marriage. There are times when it’s fulfilling and incredible and times where we don’t know what we’ve gotten ourselves into. Sometimes we couldn’t be happier and sometimes it couldn’t be harder. That’s the way life goes.

John 16:33 says it so beautifully, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

So, what do we do when the world throws us curve balls? When we’re under attack and feeling beaten down? When we’re weary and worn? When life is spinning out of control? When everything seems hopeless? How do we, like Paul when he was imprisoned, find our contentment in all circumstances (Philippians 4:11-13)?

Good question!

I’ve discovered the answer to that lies within the realization that God is in the details. What does that mean exactly?

  • Worrying is pointless! Luke 12:25-26 says, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” Worrying is an ongoing struggle for me. I worry a lot about a lot of things, but this verse reminds me that worrying is pointless. God uses the detail of time, something we all can relate to, to illustrate this point. We can’t add a single hour to our lives with worry, so why would worrying change anything else? Our hope rests in God; He’s got us. He’s in control. All we have to do is seek His kingdom, and everything else will be added unto us (Luke 12:31). Worrying is pointless; trust in God is everything. From that truth comes contentment and peace that permeates life’s darkest days.
  • God’s got this! I hate being out of control. When I feel out of control, I feel like everything is about to fall apart. Control is an illusion though. We are never the ones in control; God is, and I’m extremely thankful for that. Colossians 1:17 says, “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” When things seem out of control, it’s a great reminder that we were never the ones in control. Yes, it’s up to us to do what we can in the natural, but God is working in the supernatural. It’s also our responsibility to call upon the Lord and invite Him into our chaos and struggles (Psalm 50:15), but God, the creator of the universe, is more than able and willing to handle all of our problems – big and small.
  • The details matter! When I look at the intricacies of God’s creation, I realize how important it is to notice the details of our own blessings. It’s so easy to get sidetracked and caught up in what’s wrong, missing, or falling apart. With our spouse, we can easily focus on their flaws and failures. What if we dug past all of that pessimism and those distractions to appreciate the “smaller,” often overlooked things? Like our health, senses (sight, smell, taste, and touch), home, family, spouse, talents, abilities, and job. Or how about that we are married, and that our spouse is fun, healthy, smart, employed, thoughtful, loving, and a great companion? When I stop looking at the deficiencies of my spouse or life, I am able to see the beauty of so many other facets they possess. When you break things down and take note of the “details” of your spouse, your marriage, your family, and your life, it’s tough to not find a deeper sense of appreciation and contentment for them.

Life isn’t always going to be smooth sailing. I’ve learned that first hand. But, I think for the first time in my life, I truly understand how it’s possible to be content in all circumstances. It’s focusing on God’s details. If He can create something as beautiful and intricate as a leaf, and that is just one of the simpler of His creations, how much more capable is He to handle my life? God is so faithful, and He has blessed all of us with so much. We have been lavished with His love and grace beyond anything we deserve. Looking through that filter has changed how I view my life, my spouse, and my marriage. I would encourage you to do the same.

When I said, “My foot is slipping,” Your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought joy to my soul. –Psalm 94:18-19

For You make me glad by Your deeds, O Lord; I sing for joy at the works of Your hands. How great are Your works, O Lord, how profound Your thoughts! – Psalm 92:4-5

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