Spiritual Winter is a time where there is no visible growth. It often feels cold and isolating. We may feel alone during the winter seasons of our life. We may even feel we are not hearing God clearly during this time. Sometimes we are in the midst of a spiritual winter when our souls feel frozen and stuck. If your soul is in the spiritual season of winter, these may be some indicators:
- A frenetic season of work or family life has come to a close and you crave stillness.
- You continue to push forward with a task that used to give you joy but now feels only exhausting.
- What used to facilitate your connection and growth with God now feels dry.
Many of my friends are saying they feel this way. After all, we have all been through so much the last 2 years and sadly times are still unsettling and challenging. Many of us are discouraged, anxious or worried. Here are 4 Bible versus to help you gain comfort and guidance.
- 2 Corinthians 1:3 reveals that God is… the Father of all mercy and God of all comfort. When you’re grieving or hurting, God promises to be with you and comfort you.
- Philippians 4:6–7 encourages us, saying, Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always ask him with a thankful heart. We don’t have to be weighed down by anxiety, worry or fearful thoughts because God is there.
- When you don’t know what decision to make, Proverbs 3:5–6 says to Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on what you think you know. Rely on God and he will guide you. Be assured God will give you direction in every area of your life.
- Romans 12:2 says, … Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect. Meditating (rolling it over and over in your mind continually) on Scripture renews your mind to know God’s ways and prove what is good and acceptable in His sight.
All of us face various kinds of battles in our lives. No one escapes problems and challenges. It is more difficult to think and speak positively during the “winters” of our life, but it is helpful to remember that spring always follows winter. Everything seems dead & frozen, but life is quietly unfolding deep in the darkness.