Three Truths to Cling to During A Winter Season

The gray sky gave way to darkness as another winter day came to a close. As I stood there looking out the front window, I felt a dread wash over me. Our newborn twin boys were asleep in their swings nearby, and even though their tiny faces held hope, this awful feeling had a hold on me.

The night would be long and sleepless. Morning would come and the cycle of feeding, changing, washing bottles, and caring for them would continue. My husband would go to work leaving me alone with my four-year-old son and newborn babies until a family member would arrive.

I honestly wasn’t sure if I could make it through another day. The mixture of emotions overwhelmed me constantly. How could I be so in love with these sweet boys, yet feel so hopeless and fearful all at the same time? Wasn’t I happy to be a mother to three healthy sons? 

Winter seasons seem to plunge us into a dark place with no warning. The season I thought I was prepared to handle now overwhelmed me. My new circumstances left me feeling desperate.

So, what can we do when we find ourselves in the midst of a winter season?  When winter comes again (and we know it will), here are three truths you can cling to in the midst of a difficult season.

1. This Season is Temporary

You may be in the midst of a difficult season right now, and if you are, please know that this will not last forever. The writer of Ecclesiastes even tells us that everything in life has a season, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1. Thank goodness, right?

In the early days of being a mother to newborn twins and a four year old son, I thought that season would never come to an end. There were late night feedings, constant diaper changes, cries I couldn’t interpret, endless loads of laundry, shuttling to preschool, and countless hours of monster truck play on the living room floor.

But one day gave way to the next, and before I knew it I was going back to work. Although it wasn’t easy, it was change. The snow was melting and we could move around a little easier. A few months later, the babies could sit up, hold their own bottles, and roll over. The winter season had finally come to an end!

Your winter season will come to an end too.

 

Each Day Brings New Mercy

When you are in a difficult season, a new day doesn’t always feel hopeful. But the truth is, every day is different and with each new dawn comes new opportunity and possibility. Lamentations 3:22-23 says, The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. You can trust in the promise that God will bring something new tomorrow.

If you call on the name of Jesus, he will be near to you and give you mercy and grace during this time. This is a promise! “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

Invite the Lord into your struggle, and allow his mercy and peace to envelop you during this season.

You Are Never Alone!

There is so much we can’t see here on earth. God may be working behind the scenes in your life, and people may be praying for you, giving you the strength to get out of bed and face the day. When I was a new mom to twins, I knew there was a reason I was making it through that season but I couldn’t put my finger on what it was. I later found out that a few close family members had been praying for me (and our family) faithfully. When I look back I can see the places where their prayers got me through.

Share your struggle with a dear friend or family member. Don’t be afraid to ask them for prayer during this season. James 5:16 tells us “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.“

Not only can we count on a friend to pray for us, we can count on the Lord to be with us at ALL times! People need rest, get busy, or have other plans. But God never sleeps, is never too busy, and isn’t going to have other plans. He is always there when you need him, and will answer you when you call on him. This is a guarantee!

Psalm 139:7-10 “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.”

It has been thirteen years since my winter season following the birth of our twins. Since then I have had other winter seasons. God has been faithful and shown me his mercy and love through each one. I pray you will find comfort in knowing this season is temporary, and each day will hold new mercy for you. And remember, you are never alone!