Winter has rather suddenly blanketed southwestern Ontario in its icy embrace. We now find ourselves confronted with a season that demands resilience and strength. In the chill of the winter winds, there is a profound parallel to the challenges we face in our spiritual journeys.
Psalm 46:1-3 declares, “God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Therefore, we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas, though its water roars and foams and the mountains quake with its turmoil.”
These verses, written by the sons of Korah, remind us that our strength comes from our heavenly Father, and even amid upheaval, we can find refuge in Him.
Winter is a season of stillness, where nature rests and rejuvenates itself under this beautiful white blanket. For us, this quietude serves as a symbol of the strength found in moments of reflection and prayer. As the trees surrender their leaves, so too can we surrender our burdens to God, allowing Him to carry our worries and fears. The winter season teaches us that strength is not always found in action, but sometimes in the quiet surrender of our hearts to the divine.
Martin Luther’s famous hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” contains his declaration of faith, “A mighty fortress is our God, a sword and shield victorious.” These words echo the sentiment that, regardless of the harshness of the winter in our lives, God remains our unyielding fortress. No matter what is going on in our lives, God will be the ultimate victor.
Just as trees in a winter forest stand stronger when they are connected, so too do we find strength in Christian community. Galatians 6:2 encourages us to “Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” As we navigate the winter of our lives, we can lean on one another, sharing the load and finding strength in unity.
As we journey through the winter, both in nature and in our lives, let us remember that strength is not always about resisting the cold winds but about finding warmth in the embrace of our faith, community, and the unchanging love of our heavenly Father. In Him, we discover the resilience to face the challenges of the winter and emerge stronger on the other side.
Let us pray: Gracious God, as winter settles around us, we acknowledge the challenges that come with this season. Grant us the strength to face the trials of life with unwavering faith. May we find solace in Your refuge, surrendering our burdens at Your feet. Help us, O Lord, to build a community of support, leaning on one another in times of need. Just as the trees stand strong in the winter forest, may we find our strength in the unshakable fortress of Your love. In Jesus’s name, we pray. Amen.
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Michael Mayer serves as pastor at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Monkton, and First Lutheran Church in Logan Township.
