Understand and Pray Through Your Spiritual WinterSýnishorn

Winter Trees

Trees do not stop growing in winter; they rest and grow deeper, not noticeably. But there, where nobody sees, growth is taking place. The roots penetrate deeper into the ground, and energy is replenished. The same is true for Christians. In the spiritual winter, Christians experience inward growth during which they grow deeper in the Lord. There where no one sees, we are anchored more securely in the Lord Himself. We gain new perspectives. This is a time of rest and recovery - an invisible preparation for a new fruit-bearing season. Blessed is winter because winter is the preparation for a new season of bearing fruit.

Sometimes, the reality of winter comes as a great disillusionment to Christians. It reveals many forms of conceit, self-life, self-effort, pride, and areas of fruitless effort. Sometimes, Christians stop serving the Lord because of winter, or they become despondent and rebel against God. It is often accompanied by embarrassment and feelings of shame. Because winter appears to cause destruction, all the work of summer seems in vain. Where is the fruit now? We were so hopeful, and now it looks as if everything has come to nothing. Winter is a paradox. Everything seemed hopeless and fruitless, and everything came to nothing. But winter puts the tree through a necessary process to preserve and strengthen the life in the tree.

Take Time To Pray

In spiritual winters, take more time to read the Bible and pray. Some find it helpful to read—especially books on the deeper Christian life. Read and pray about the Cross, brokenness, and total surrender. Read and pray about being filled with the Power of the Holy Spirit. Others need to rest as much as possible and take time to meditate and be alone with God.

Remember that the new season that will certainly come, will ask for more Spiritual Power and be accompanied by more challenges and attacks from the evil one. You must take time to anchor yourself deeper and deeper into Jesus.