Many people, like me, struggle with depression and sorrow during the winter months. Important family holidays fall during the cold damp days of November and December, adding to the stress I am already feelilng.

It helps me to think completely through my situations when these feelings begin to try to settle in.

Below are some of my Winter meditations:

The Cold:
Born a southern girl, I embrace my Louisiana heritage, including the warm muggy days when only flopping in my cold pond water will give me relief. So the cold sneaks in around Haloween, backs off a bit and then teases me several times before slamming down for weeks at a time.

Instead of being unhappy about what is changing, I will focus on what remains the same: God’s Faithfulness:

While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. Genesis 8:22

The Holidays:
Often I become anxious about meeting the expectations of my family during the holidays. Meals and Gifts are just a couple of things on my mind when I anticipate the holiday seasons.

Instead of wondering if there will be enough to go around and wondering what everyone is expecting, I will focus on letting go of my own expectations and enjoying the company of children and family members who take the time to fellowship.

Joy

Rejoice evermore. 1 Thessalonians 5:16

The LORD has commanded me to be joyful at all times. I am not a slave to my feelings so I will obey the LORD. and I will remember those who also struggle and pray for you, too.

Be JOYFUL! It is our strength.