“For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation” --Colossians 1:13-15 (NASB)
In the cold stillness of winter, the dark can seem all encompassing. Short days, low light, a sense of trudging through the moments, waiting for brighter days to come. Perhaps there are people who embrace the cold, but I’m not one of them. In the dark of winter, the waiting and stillness takes its toll. And while we know that the rescue has already happened and our redemption is complete in Jesus, we may struggle to recognize His grace in seasons of darkness.
I’ve heard it called “spiritual amnesia”, a kind of forgetfulness where we have momentary lapses and forget to celebrate the everyday grace of God. How do we combat this type of amnesia? I believe it starts with thanksgiving, even (maybe especially?) in the cold. We must practice a posture of humbled hearts opening towards the King, arms outstretched, knees bent, bowing low to the firstborn of all creation. We must start with thanks offerings in all seasons and ask for new eyes that reflect the spirit of Christ in us. Because, as certainly as the days will cycle through these depths, they will also continue to lengthen and brighten. Be encouraged.
The light of Christ is in all things: the sun shining low over the horizon on a midwinter afternoon; the sparkle of snow on evergreens; delineation of snowflakes cupped in mittened hands. Look closely! Can you see each unique form? And woven in and through it all, the assurance of Jesus speaking into your heart: “See? I am here too, even in your momentary darkness.”
Jesus, how do you show up in my life during dark seasons? Please help me to see and hear you clearly.
KA
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Evangel Downtown