Outside the wind is howling. Ice clings to the trees and shrubs — blades of leftover grass crunch beneath my feet. My eyes tear from the sting of the cold making me want to hurry home.
Once inside, I’m warmed by the crackle of the fire. The belly of the woodstove glows with red and orange embers while flames consume the wood and warms our home. I throw a couple more logs in, grab a cup of coffee and curl up on the couch for a few minutes of rest.
As I sit and think, I’m reminded of the winter of the soul — seasons of hardship, loss, sorrow … brokenness. Some days it feels as though the season will never end with its darkened days and veiled light.
Have you experienced this?
Maybe this describes your life now.
When in the midst of this season, we’re very aware of the dimming light, aren’t we? Something shifts. Joy escapes us. Depression clutches us in its grip.
And the Light of Christ is drenched by our tears.
But I’m learning how to rekindle the flame of His light.
It’s not complicated and its not at all religious. The answer is relational. Quite simple.
In those darkest moments, call on the One who loves you and desires to meet your every need.
Speak His Name — Jesus … Jesus. Nothing more is needed to revive a dimming light. It’s like striking a match and casting its flame onto the embers that struggle to remain in our hearts.
Jesus draws near at the mention of His Name. He lifts us out of the cold darkness into His marvelous light where He heals and restores, redeems, and comforts us with His love.
In His presence is peace that makes absolutely no sense.
Hope is found again.
Joy begins to flow along its riverbanks deep in our hearts.
The young flame will be small at first, but sure. Slowly its glow will permeate the darkness and you will be able to see the evidence of God in your life, bringing with it an aha moment that you were never alone. The Lord is with us always, especially in the difficult places.
The flame allows us to see and remember that the Lord is the Waymaker when there seems to be no way.
He is the Promise Keeper.
He is the Anchor in the storm, our Provider and Protector.
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world, He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” ~ John 8:12
Jesus … there’s something about that Name.
His light is within us. It never goes out. But when life’s circumstances tell us otherwise, speak His Name — the Name above all names — Jesus. The breath of God will blow on the struggling embers of your heart, quicken the spark within and illuminate the darkness.
Selah
There is indeed power in the name Jesus! Thanks for this encouragement, Nan.
You’re so welcome Janet. Sometimes I think we don’t grasp how powerful and precious the Name of Jesus really is! These are hard lessons to learn, but reap eternal rewards. I’m so thankful you were encouraged.
Thanks for sharing this beautiful word of encouragement, Nan. I’m so thankful Jesus is the only name I ever need to call on when I’m at my end or when darkness closes in. And It did for me. It will for other readers. One thing is certain, in good times and bad, He always hears the groaning and cry of our hearts. He’s faithful in our time of need. I loved this awesome reminder.
His love is beyond comprehension, isn’t it? There have been times in my life when I couldn’t pray. I wasn’t angry with God, I was simply despondent and weak with sorrow. But when I spoke the beautiful Name of Jesus, His love washed over me and He held me until the tears stopped and I could rest. I’m so thankful this ministered to you.