St Johns with St Barnabas

Welcome to February, not usually a month that Mopsy dog, or myself for that matter, really look forward too. So often it’s cold, dark and wet. Christmas decorations have finally been packed away, and it’s still a long time until Easter. Our magnificent Hot Lips (Salvia) has stopped flowering, the trees are all bare, and well, that’s just it - well what next? Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound so dismal, but it is winter, everything appears to be waiting, including Mopsy dog and myself, for some sun and greenery to appear.

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Faith can feel like that too sometimes. We don’t often talk about winter seasons in our spiritual life, but most of us know what they are - seasons when things go slower, when prayers are harder, when enthusiasm seems low and we wonder if anything is happening at all. Take heart, there is nothing wrong with us in those moments, they are all part of the natural rhythm of a life with God.

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Perhaps nature has something to teach us here; under the soil bulbs are already stirring. Roots are drinking in water and strength, buds are forming long before we see them. The work is hidden, but it is not absent. The absence of leaves does not mean the tree is dead, it simply means it’s preparing for growth.

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Sometimes our faith works like that; we might not feel very inspired. We plod on, worshipping, praying, serving, feeling rather wintry inside. And yet that’s just when God often does his most lasting work in us: deepening trust, strengthening patience, reshaping priorities.

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The Bible reminds us that God is Faithful in every season, not just the sunny ones. I can already see signs of life returning in the garden - a snowdrop here, the lovely winter jasmine, camellia buds appearing, all gentle reminders that renewal begins quietly, and I am beginning to feel better already, thank you.

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A Winter Faith Prayer

Loving God, you are faithful in every season, even when life feels quiet or uncertain. Help me to trust your presence in the hidden work of my heart, and in the unseen growth of my life, give me patience in the waiting, and courage to keep walking with you, step by step. Help me to remember that your mercies are new every morning, and your love never fails. Amen.