“Winter in Your Soul? Here’s Hope.”
When we think of fall, winter, spring, or summer, we rarely believe the season will last forever—even if it feels like it. Winter may seem long and dark, but deep down, we have confidence that spring is on its way. Why? Because we experienced the cycle before.
There’s a track record.
But when it comes to emotional, spiritual, or physical trials, it’s harder to see that same rhythm. These “winters” of the soul can feel endless. We struggle to translate the natural seasons we witness into the spiritual seasons we endure.
Yet what if we reframed trials like we do seasons? When we’re in a spiritual or emotional winter, we must remind ourselves: this is a season—and it will pass.
This is hard to hold onto, especially when it feels like God is far away, like our prayers are just bouncing off the walls. Everything seems dead. Lifeless. Hopeless.
As humans, we like control. But the truth is—we’re not in control. And the sooner we accept that, the sooner we can begin to rest in the greater truth: God is in control.
I love the words of Jesus in The Message translation of Matthew 11:28–30:
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
A few verses earlier, Jesus prays about the importance of approaching God like a child—dependent, trusting, unburdened by the illusion of control. And when we do, something supernatural happens: the peace of God fills our hearts and minds. A peace that, as Philippians 4:7 says, “passes all understanding.”
For those of us who have struggled with sexual or relational brokenness, our winter can feel especially long. The question, “Will this ever end?” can weigh heavy. And the answer? It’s complex—but full of hope.
Yes, healing is possible. Freedom from sin, dysfunction, and destructive patterns is real.
We can learn new ways to deal with stress, pain, and life’s pressures—ways that don’t involve pornography, fantasy, or sexual acting out.
No, in the sense that we are always growing. This is sanctification: the lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus. It’s not a straight path, but a transformational journey. So when temptation comes knocking, we don’t need to panic or feel shame. We can recognize it, name it, reject it in Jesus’ name, and choose a new path—one we’ve been taught and are continuing to learn.
When I’m walking in God’s peace, I feel it—not as a loud, dramatic force, but as a quiet confidence deep in my spirit. A trust that whispers to my storms and trials, “God is in control.” My job? To release my grip on control and choose rest, trust, and surrender.
This is just a season. And spring is coming.