SPIRITUAL WINTERIZING
Philippians 4:11-13
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
By mid week we'll be facing the coldest nights of the season. The temperatures those mornings will be around 10 degrees. It's getting colder and we are trying to get everything ready for winter as it is upon us.
The deer are preparing for the colder temperatures as well. They will be eating in the fields, devouring as many calories as possible in an attempt to winterize their bodies as best as they can. Being prepared for winter weather is crucial to making it through these hard times in good shape.
We all go through spiritual winters at times as well as calendar winters and if we don't prepare ahead of time for these tough times we will suffer terrible pain and suffering. Like the deer, being prepared is the key.
We can prepare for the cold, depressing and lonely periods of spiritual winter which will help us withstand any cold and stormy time of our life. Staying continually in God's word will keep the cold from our heart.
Psalms 119:11
"Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee."
Many people go through winter depression. The same is true in our spiritual life. The days get darker and we get down. Prepare for this time by staying in constant communication with the Lord in prayer.
Psalms 55:11
"Evening and morning and at noon will I pray, and cry aloud and He shall hear my voice."
There are winter days that we just can't seem to get warm. We struggle to keep the chill out but nothing seems to help. When we face the same chill in our spiritual life the best thing that seems to help is the close contact with strong Christian friends. Like body heat for someone suffering from hypothermia, the closeness of Christian friends will warm our hearts and keep the chill of depression away.
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
We will all encounter spiritual "winters" in our lives from time to time, but choosing how we deal and prepare for them can make all the difference in the world.
Are you spiritually winterized?
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