Winter Of The Soul

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.  Romans 8: 20-21

In The Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe, Narnia was under the control of the wicked witch of the North and the land suffered from a state of perpetual winter.  Spring never arrived until Aslan died and rose again.  Finally, the ice of winter melted and eternal spring was brought into existence. 

Plants, animals, and even the hidden life of our planet were subjected to futility at the Fall.  We are not alone in longing for freedom from corruption. Earth, in this present state, is cursed. Each of us feels the ‘winter of the soul’ in different ways and in varying degrees. 

Some of God’s choicest servants knew little external joy.  Ruth, King David, and Job; they knew periods of depression, persecution, serious illness – these very things have visited most of the heroes of our faith down through the ages.  In what seemed like perpetual ‘winter’ however, they were not deceived.  None of them ultimately believed that their suffering was an expression of God’s disfavor.  They understood that this was just ‘life’ here on earth.  God subjected the earth to this state of decay and one day He would make it right again.

The Spring of Eden is on the horizon.  Our momentary afflictions (and yes – they can be crushing) are blinks in the context of eternity.  We lament like the Psalmists because winter affects us! But Jesus comes with power to deliver us. Though externally oppressed, internally, we live without eyes toward the kingdom, beholding it with great joy and hope. One day, what our eyes currently see and what our spirit currently experiences will be one and the same. Some of those we have loved the most already live there!

You cursed this earth it and You will deliver it. You also cursed mankind but not without a cure. You came and were cursed for us and to offer us restoration. Let this good news touch the lives of those who only know winter.   Let them see Your face in my joy. Amen