It’s mid-February, temperatures are sub-zero, snow just keeps coming down, and the season is beginning to effect me. I admitted in a previous journal entry, Joy in Winter, that I struggle with winter each year. I enjoy Christmas, the beginning of a new year, beautiful snow, and a slower pace of life, but I also begin to feel the winter blues.
I went into this winter striving to find meaning in it rather than wishing it away. I believe our Heavenly Father created it for a purpose, so I want to thrive in this crisp season. That being said, I knew winter would not magically change into something I love with utmost enthusiasm. Winter blues are a real thing that I battle every year, so I need to remain as equipped as I can be.
Verses to Pray Through Winter Blues
The ultimate source of everlasting peace is Jesus, so I seek Him when my spirits are downcast. I abide in prayer for the day at hand and ask Him to remind me of these truths: He is the Creator of every season of life, He is with me always, and His joy is an unending stream that flows through even the harshest time of life. I also read His Word, the Bible, and relish in the truths He speaks there. Here are some verses I pray over myself when I feel the winter blues.
Fill Me With Your Joy
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
–Psalm 118:24
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
-Psalm 17:22
Comfort My Downcast Spirit
“Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his suffering ones.”
-Isaiah 49:13
Renew My Hope.
“For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.”
-Psalm 62:5-8
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
-Psalm 42:11
Practical Things to Do
Here are some other ways I’m working to overcome my winter blues.
- Soaking in as much sunshine as possible. We just finished a week of intense temperatures and the lack of sunshine began weighing on me. The Lord was so good though. He provided a full day of sun right after our coldest night. It was the breath of fresh air that I needed, so I spent as much time as I could in the rays.
- Venturing out. My tendency is to avoid going anywhere during winter because it’s so cold. I love being home, but too much alone time is not suitable. I’ve found that getting out of the house at least once a week lifts my spirits. That could be to see family or friends, go antiquing, or having a date night. Just some time to do something different.
- Focusing on what I can do rather than what I can’t. As Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.” While I may not be able to walk through my yard barefooted and pick lovely wildflowers during winter, I can shift my focus to tasks that winter lends me time for. Baking, reading, snuggling my red-headed baby boy, and sewing, just to name a few.
- Looking for beauty. Winter is uniquely lovely. Soft snowfalls that powder the tree branches in white. The crisp glitter of a snow-covered field on a sunny day. Wildlife and livestock contrasted against the white snow. Late morning sunrises and early evening sunsets. The beauty of winter is a treat that only comes once a year. I encourage you to keep an eye out for it.
- Projects. I enjoy having a project going at all times. In fact, I experience some stress if there is nothing to create. I especially appreciate DIY projects for my home such as this pillow case that I made from a Hobby Lobby placemat or the easy table runner from drop cloth. As the density of winter seems to increase around me, I look to create things that spark joy in my life and in the lives of others.
I pray that you will find comfort in Jesus during any hardship you experience, whether its a seasonal depression or something else. He loves you deeply and will carry you through the pain. May His joy spark a flame inside your spirit and spread like wildfire throughout every aspect of your life. May you greet each season of lift with hope, joy, peace, and purpose through the strength of God.
More Encouragement
- Joy in Winter
- The Littler Things in Life
- God’s Call to Homemaking
- Commit Your Plans to the Lord
- In the Matter of Drudgery