At times, feelings of defeat, sadness, and loneliness control our mindset as struggles consume our lives.
During these times—when all seems hopeless—we feel as if the cold will never end, and the sun will never shine again. Despair dominates our thoughts. These seasons of suffering bring images of winter to my mind.
As the barren trees stand still and silent in the cool winter evenings—dormant, waiting for spring to awaken—they seem to long for the warmth of the sun and the ability to grow and bloom.
God gave a simple tree a way to live through the cold winter, yet remain patient and strong. It knows spring will come again. It knows the warmth of the sun will return, allowing it to grow and bloom once more.
Winters will always occur in our lives. Sometimes, we will struggle, but at other times, we will wish to shrivel, hide, or run away. During these times, we must remember the trees—patient and strong—standing against that which would kill them, yet triumphing and blooming again when the time is right.
The next time we struggle, we can remember the tree. We can be patient and strong until the sun shines again. God returns our joy, showering us with warmth and love. He will always help us weather any situation. It may not always be easy, but He is there to give us strength.
Ask God to help you rely on His strength and not to be afraid during the trials of your life.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Kathy Keenum is an innovative freelance writer and published author. She has a liberal arts degree and worked for several years as a freelance journalist. After serving in the United States Navy, she turned her talents to technical and process writing before returning to her first love: writing devotionals and children’s stories.