Once holiday magic has passed, the bareness of winter leaves us ready for new life. Things are cold and dark and there’s nothing to do but wait. But our souls need even these dark nights of winter.
To be sure, winter has a certain appeal. Playing in the snow, warming up by the fire, and enjoying holiday feasts with family and friends, for instance.
But we tend to grow weary quickly through the long winter months and crave the return of spring.
All the same, winter has its place. It’s a time of rest as life continues beneath the surface.
And the same is true through the winters of our soul.
We all experience seasons when not much is happening on the surface. Things are mundane and we feel like we’re constantly in a position of waiting.
Maybe this year things will be different and I can finally see the fruit of my labors!
Without doubt, a soul winter is hard and we must resist the temptation to give up.
We can’t predict the timing, but beneath the surface of our awareness and control things continue to take place.
It is possible God is simply exercising our faith. Or maybe he’s conceiving new life in hidden places not yet ready for the light of day. Or perhaps this is a season just to rest and be prepared for the road ahead.
Whatever the case, hope remains.
The fruitfulness of life cannot always be judge by looking at the surface, especially during winter. Still, we trust God is at work bringing all things toward good.
Live in hope. Your soul winter has its place and new life is coming.
