Battling the winter blues: Find hope in the dark

“Where did the light go? Why do I feel so lost?”

These are questions we may ponder in the winter seasons of our souls.

The weather is cold outside, and inside, the winter creeps in and casts a chilly frost over homes and hearts. In the darkest months of the year, our spirits often feel the strain. Whether we’re facing the general winter blues or battling seasonal depression, the winter months can have a way of bringing a deeper, mental darkness into our lives.

But even in the winter, especially in the winter, you’re never alone in the cold.

Winter sadness and seasonal depression

• When frozen hearts turn into frozen plans.
• When chilly temperatures turn into chilly conversations.
• When apathetic souls turn into apathetic use of our skills and talents.

It’s then that we feel some of the strain of the “trouble” Jesus talks about in John 16.

Internal emotional and spiritual winter storms create flakes and flurries of hurriedness, hopelessness, or harmful thoughts that snowball and keep us from fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives. Winter sadness and seasonal depression are tangible trials believers can face, even before the first day of winter officially appears. If we’re stuck in a snowbank of spiritual darkness or mental struggle, we despair and sometimes believe that muddling through is the best we can do.

But God is still working during the winter season.

Jesus is the light of the world

Sometimes we can only see far enough ahead to make it through the day, and that’s okay. God gives us what we need for each moment [2 Corinthians 12:19]. Each day has enough trouble of its own, so we don’t need to borrow worry from the future [Matthew 6:34].

Instead, sometimes it’s about taking the time to rest and gather glimpses of light amidst the winter shadows.

Such shadows only exist where light peeks through the cracks and crevices of our hearts. God never stops showing us the warming light of His love, even when we feel frozen, sad, or numb. God doesn’t shame us for having “winter” thoughts, feelings, or spiritual struggles. He wants us to cast our burdens on Him because He compassionately cares about us [1 Peter 5:7].

Admittedly, that’s often easier said than done, but it doesn’t change the fact that we have a God who’s always ready, always willing, and always tends to our hearts amidst our trials.

He wants to care for us.

He wants us to draw close as His dearly beloved children.

He wants us to lean in and listen to His voice.

He wants us to thaw our hearts in His presence.

He wants to walk with us in the wintertime.

All we need to do is allow Him to restore and comfort our hearts into wholeness.

If the idea of giving or receiving comfort is a struggle, please know that you’re not alone. If you or someone you know is walking through a dark season of grief, illness, or trial, don’t be afraid to draw from God and seek the support of your biblical community. He created us for connection. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, pastor, or counselor to connect and share your challenges.

If you’d like to learn more about comfort during hard times, we created a free e-book about giving and receiving care. Download your copy here today.

No matter what your winter brings, know that Jesus is the steady light.