Winter can take various forms — the natural season of winter and the winter season of life. You may look at this and wonder: What is the difference?
The natural season of winter can be seen in the world around. It offers a time of reflection and gathering, as we find ourselves sitting cozily by the fireplace or enjoying the warmth of central heat in our homes. The natural season of winter is a time of family gatherings and celebrations as we embrace the holiday season and, if we’re lucky, enjoy a blanket of snow. We relax in comfort, knowing that the natural season of winter will only last for a few months as we wait in anticipation for spring and summer to return.
But, oftentimes, we find ourselves in a winter season of life — a season of challenges and what-ifs that feel cold and harsh, testing our faith and perseverance. I remember walking through a winter season of life. After spending over a decade working in healthcare, I had to leave (due to extreme burnout) in order to better care for myself as I cared for my family. The burnout had settled into my body — stiffness, weakness, overwork, and stress. A winter season for sure.
As the years progressed and the natural seasons changed, I still found myself in this winter season of life. I remember sitting at my mother’s kitchen table. The words she spoke, from Psalm 46:10, would forever change everything: “Be still and know that He is God.” I had read that verse. Honestly, I knew that verse. But in that particular winter season, everything I knew and believed seemed so far away.
However, I found comfort in writing — something I had always enjoyed as a child. Writing became my expression, my outlet, a method that allowed my heart to speak. From that day forward, I took my mom’s advice and embraced the stillness. Yet, still I wondered: When will God move? When will this winter season subside? I had to persevere, even if all I had was mustard-seed faith.
For several years, I sat in stillness. During that time, I wrote and wrote. It was like a breath of fresh air, as the words flowed like fresh, morning rain from the sky. I wrote several inspirational poems and multiple children’s stories, one of which would later become an award-winning early chapter book. Eventually, the words, “Be still and know that He is God,” carried the weight of my winter season once I steadily released it. The human side of me found it difficult to embrace the stillness, the wait. But, as the days came and went without winter budging, stillness became the norm.
Comfort and relaxation no longer came through a fireplace or central heat, but from that one verse: “Be still and know that He is God.” I waited and watched, and over time, my winter season of life began to dissipate. In 2022, I started working temporary assignments at a local university. Later that year, I also published an indie fiction chapter book for young people that went on to win three literary awards. Now, in 2025, I am the proud owner of a growing brand which houses my book and highlights community and storytelling.
So, when you find yourself in a winter season of life that feels cold and harsh, sit in stillness and allow the words of the psalmist to saturate your weariness: “Be still and know that He is God” (Psalm 46:10). Because, just like the natural season of winter comes and goes, a winter season of life will eventually do the same.
Sis, are you in a winter season of life? Share your story in the comments below and tell us — what are you waiting for? What are learning in this season?
Thank you, Tomeko for blessing my soul! This was truly inspired by God! I can’t wait to share with others so that they will be blessed!
Hi Karen,
Thank you kindly. I’m humbled and grateful. If it blessed you, I pray it blesses many more as you share it. God’s timing is always perfect.
Hi Tomeko,
I was inspired by the reading of “Find Rest In The Stillness In Winter”.
It was sent to me by a mutual friend. It was an enlighten, inspirational passage.
It is evident that this is your blessing to others. May God continue to guide you as you reach and comfort others.
Alfreda
Hi Alfreda,
Thank you for a kind and encouraging message. I am grateful the passage reached you and brought inspiration. May God continue to guide us as we rest in Him and uplift others.
The story of your journey is inspiring as well as encouraging. So many times we go through life’s difficulties and wonder why or how we will overcome. It’s easy to feel as if we are the only one experiencing hardships and have a tendency to want to give up but you have shown us to just hold on to our faith and find a word that speaks to us. It lets us know God’s word is life giving and never fails. Thanks for having the courage to share. You never know who may need it.
Hi Christine,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m truly grateful that my journey and reflections could encourage you. It’s a blessing to know that sharing my story can remind others to hold on to their faith and trust in God’s word. Your encouragement means a lot.
Tomeko, I thank God for your beautiful gift of writing—and for the friend who shared it with me. “Find Rest in the Stillness of Winter” was truly inspiring. So often we sit in our struggles believing we are the only ones going through them, but your words gently remind us that we are not alone and that this season, too, will pass. I look forward to reading more of your work.
Thank you for blessing us all with your gift.
Hi Patricia,
Thank you for your kind words. It is greatly appreciated. I am also grateful for the friend who shared this with you. I have learned that some things are not by accident and passages can find us when we need them. I’m so glad this inspired you.