It was a day like any day in Southwest Virginia. The sun was brightly shining and the birds were chirping their songs of joy. Spring had finally arrived. As I walked outside, I took my then one year old son, strapped him into his car seat, and began the long trek down the mountain to get groceries. As I was driving and looking at the beauty beginning to spring forth, I heard God speak to me in that still, small voice. He told me that there will never be another winter like the one I just came through. I knew at this point He was talking about a spiritual winter. My heart began to open to what He was speaking. He went on to say that season’s change and the time of my suffering was over. Just as there is new life being birthed in the natural, He was going to birth something new in me. I was going to enter a new season in my life.
It says in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:
2 A time [a]to be born, And a time to die;
A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;
3 A time to kill, And a time to heal;
A time to break down, And a time to build up;
4 A time to weep, And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, And a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to gain, And a time to lose;
A time to keep, And a time to throw away;
7 A time to tear, And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;
8 A time to love, And a time to hate;
A time of war, And a time of peace.
You see, the season I was coming out of was very difficult for me. I was having constant vice-grip panic attacks and emotional distress. Fear would appear out of nowhere and grab ahold of me. It was horrible. I was praying that God would heal me and deliver me from these attacks, but for some reason, He was silent. I felt all alone and misunderstood. I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. But then God spoke and gave me the above promise. When I was at my lowest point, broken and in despair, God reached down and took ahold of me and spoke words of life back into my weary soul.
Often times, in our darkest moments when it feels like we can’t hold on anymore, God will show up and speak words of comfort to us. He will move heaven and earth for us if we remain faithful.
Song of Solomon 2:11-13 says:
Have you lost your song? Does it feel like you are getting bombarded by bad news everywhere you turn? Are you finding yourself asking God, “Where are you, don’t you care?” If so, take heart and realize that this is only a season you are walking through. God hears each one of your cries even when it seems like He is far away. You are not forgotten and you are completely loved. In time, when God has perfected the work He is doing in you, you will go out with joy and be led forth in peace. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and let Him be the anchor through your storm.
Paul Wilbur wrote a song called Dance With Me that has ministered to me often when I have lost my joy. Here are the lyrics:
Dance with me O lover of my soul
To the song of all songs
Romance me O lover of my soul
To the song of all songs
Behold You have come Over the hills
Upon the mountains
To me You have run My beloved
You’ve captured my heart
With You I will go You are my love
You are my fair one
Winter is past And the springtime has come
Dance with me
Your winter has passed and spring has come! If you are feeling overwhelmed and in need of prayer, don’t hesitate to fill out my contact form and I can pray with you. Remember, you are not forgotten and you are completely loved. Hold on to hope and you will find joy in today.
Finding Joy In Today 