Spiritual Winter feels cold and isolating and is a time where there is no visible growth. We may feel alone or frustrated during the winter seasons of our life. Sometimes we are in the midst of a spiritual winter when our souls feel frozen and stuck. We may even feel we are not hearing God clearly during this time.
Signs
If your soul is in the spiritual season of winter, these may be some signs:
- You continue to push forward with a task that used to give you joy but now feels only exhausting.
- A frantic season of work or family life has come to a close and you crave stillness.
- You are unmotivated and even deflated in your thoughts.
- What used to facilitate your connection and growth with God now feels dry.
You Are Not Alone
Many of my friends feel stuck, worried and anxious right now. Times are absolutely crazy and challenging with lots to worry about. Know that things can change in an instant and God really is in control.
Encouragement
Here are 4 Bible verses 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.
Hope
All of us face various kinds of battles in our lives. Life is a journey filled with both challenges and hopes. 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 have hope knowing life is quietly unfolding deep in the darkness.