It was the first full week of January. My children were back in school, and life was slowly returning to normal after a fun, but unstructured, Christmas break. I expected to feel happy as I began anew—filling out my 2020 calendar, stocking up on seasonal produce and cleaner food choices, and revisiting routines that had been on hiatus since mid-December.
But instead, I felt tired, isolated, and sad. There was an uneasiness in my heart, and I struggled with motivation. Finally, I remembered that I felt the same way last January. So I extended myself grace and allowed myself to feel the winter blues.
The Winter Blues are Real
The winter blues range from feeling temporarily gloomy to experiencing longer-lasting depression. Some people overcome the winter blues with simple home remedies, while others need professional intervention. No matter where someone falls on the spectrum, there is no shame when the weather takes a toll on our spirits.
This winter, I eased my case of the winter blues by seeking refuge in my parish’s Adoration Chapel. The true presence of Jesus—along with the silence, colorful stained glass, and soft candlelight—calmed my restlessness and renewed my spirit.
There is something very special about praying before the Lord in Eucharistic Adoration. But I realize this is not easily accessible to everyone. Thankfully, we can pray anywhere. In a chapel or our car. On the sofa or porch swing.
Scripture Verses to Comfort and Console the Winter Blues
Here are several Bible verses to pray during the winter, when light, warmth, and hope can feel lost.
Light My Life
Light is such a prevalent theme throughout Scripture, and of course, Jesus is referred to as Light of the World. Let us allow His light to permeate our souls this winter, especially as natural light is so scarce.
// “Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.” -Psalm 80:19
// “The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” -Psalm 119:130
// “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.” -Isaiah 9:2
// “Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly.” -Isaiah 58:8
// “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” -John 1:5
// “The morning star rises in your hearts.” -2 Peter 1:19
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Be My Comfort
Our entire being—body, mind, and spirit—desires warmth and comfort during the winter months. Where better to seek comfort than in the One Who gives comfort like no other?
// “Be still, and know that I am God!” -Psalm 46:10
// “Let your steadfast love become my comfort.” -Psalm 119:76
// “The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.” -Isaiah 40:8
// “Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his suffering ones.” -Isaiah 49:13
// “For the Lord will comfort Zion; he will comfort all her waste places, and will make her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song.” -Isaiah 51:3
Renew My Hope
Winter can feel barren and desolate, and we can grow discouraged. But if we imagine all the work happening underground, for spring to actually emerge, we can have hope that God is always at work, even when we can’t see or feel it.
// “For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.” -Psalm 62:5-8
// “But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. -Isaiah 40:31
// “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him.” -Lamentations 3:25
// “Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” -Romans 5:5
// “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” -Romans 15:13
Enflame My Heart
It may be cold and gloomy outside, but the love of God can ignite our hearts and warm our souls. And when He sets our hearts on fire, we can share His love with others.
// “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.” -Psalm 9:1-2
// “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” -Psalm 37:4
// “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” -Proverbs 3:5
// “A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you.” -Ezekiel 36:26
// “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” -Luke 24:32
// “My peace I give to you … Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” -John 14:27
// “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:6-7
What Scripture verses encourage you during the long, dark, and cold season of winter?
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Sarah Damm is a regular contributor to the BIS blog. She is a Catholic wife and mother of six children, living in Minnesota. She spends her days running errands, helping with homework, and keeping up with laundry and the family schedule. Sarah loves her faith, coffee, and good books. You can find out more about her here. Read all of Sarah's posts here.
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