“You made summer and winter.” Psalm 74:17
The U.S. has been hit by a “Wintergeddon” of sorts. Kentucky has fared well in comparison to other parts of the country, but without a doubt, winter has made itself known in the ‘Ville this season. Finding a person who is content with arctic temps and hazardous driving conditions isn’t easy right now. Charles Spurgeon, an incredible mind and theologian, once spoke of a different winter describing the “Winter of Soul” and his thoughts are worth a share. Spurgeon speaks of the adversity of this life as wintry conditions and the positive effects it can have on our lives.
Tim Keller speaks to the winter of our soul too. The centrality of his position is our reaction to the adversity. In A Reason for God, Keller describes the reaction of others to specific tragedies, the ultimate adversity, in their lives. His observation is that though people are not grateful for the event, they would not trade the winter of soul for anything. Why? Because this soul-weathering has the potential to bring “insight, character, and strength”[1]
Paul spoke of soul winters producing hope through perseverance and then character (Rom. 5:3-5). There is something good hidden in what appears to be only for our destruction. The Winter of Soul is intended to be a springboard of hope for us and closer relationship with our God.
Encourage us (1 Thessalonians 5:11): How would your life differ if you found a way to be content through your winters?
[1] (Keller 2008, p. 25)
