“…yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength
They will mount up with wings like eagles
They will run and not get tired
They will walk and not become weary.” ( Isaiah 40:31 NASB)
There’s something about winter months that usually drags me down. The chills of cold mornings and long, gloomy nights zap my energy leaving me motionless and restless at the same time. Idleness and procrastination engulf me like ghosts cluttering my mind and stealing the joy and spirit of the season. As I meditate on Isaiah 40:31, I find calmness and peace again that only hope in God can bring.
Two winters ago was my all-time low. I secluded myself from the world’s chaos and everyday clutter, and tried to search for peace. Trying to understand what caused my loneliness wasn’t an easy task. Blessed with a loving family and friends, a meaningful job, and material provisions, I still felt an emptiness in my heart. I asked God, "What's wrong with me, Lord?" I discovered that it’s during my most dismal moments when I needed Him most. As I opened up myself to God once again with my complete trust and dependence on what He can do, I learned to forget about myself and looked out at the beauty of the world around me.
Having experienced “winter blues,” I also learned with God’s guiding hands what to do to keep my energy high and enjoy the Spirit of the Season. My prayer is that it will bless you, and may God speaks in your heart in a special way.
1. First, let there be light! Open the windows and let the sunshine in. Or take a walk under the sun and bask under its warm glow. Better yet, remember the “Source of Light.” Walk on that Light.
2. Shake things up ! Exercise, dance, move around, power walk for God.
3. Color your world. Buy yourself colorful flowers, wear something red, yellow or orange. Brighten someone’s day with a smile. Surround yourself with optimistic people. Memorize Philippians 4:8 and live it.
4. Quench your thirst. Drink plenty of fluids to revive your spirit, prevent dehydration and reduce feelings of fatigue. Thirst for the Word of God, soak yourself with His promises to remind yourself how much He loves you.
5.Remember the three H’s : Hug, Hand, and Heart. This is the Season to show our love, forgive hurts, and lend a hand. As we reach out to others, we forget ourselves as manifold blessings return to us. Remember to spread love all year round.
Prayer:
Our Almighty God, help me to remember that You are the Only Source of strength, joy and peace. You are our Light and Life. Nothing and no one can steal the joy in our hearts as long as we lean on Your power. You are the Reason for the season. Renew in us Your Spirit of love, and restore the joy of our salvation. In Jesus most precious Name, Amen.
Enjoy the Spirit of the season. And let your spirits soar .
Blessings,
Gloria Tiquia
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Ah, Sis! This article was like a little gift from heaven, all wrapped up in love and tied securely with hope. There are so many of us who have experience those wintertime blues. Those are great points of advice. May we all truly soar in spirit this season. Be greatly blessed!
I love what you wrote here, Gloria! ("This is the Season to show our love, forgive hurts, and lend a hand. As we reach out to others, we forget ourselves as manifold blessings return to us. Remember to spread love all year round.") As we do this our Spirits will start to soar, and we will indeed remember the reason for the season! Love you Sis, Sharon
Gloria, thank you for helping my spirit to soar. I too have found myself withdrawing from others recently. We aren't meant to stay secluded. Thanks for the reminders.
