Since our family has moved to the mountains, I have been struck by the power of seasonal change. We have seen the sky turn from brilliant blue to hazy gray, the clouds from white cotton to black coal. The shifting seasons have delighted us, kept us inside and drawn us out. Their power has dictated how we spend our days and the very tone of our nights. I have fallen asleep to the soft drumming of rain landing and sliding down the roof; been jarred awake by the sound of angry clouds crackling and spitting; and woken in the morning to the still and mysterious whisper of snow gently piling on our doorstep.

I sit up in bed and see the sweetest sight: the towering pines are laced with a fine white powder; the once brown, irregular soil is now carpeted in a pure, white blanket. The children run to the window and squeal, It snowed, Mommy! Daddy, it snowed! As they crawl in bed to cuddle, I am reminded, His compassions are new every morning. It is so refreshing to know the mercy of God. Each day, as the world around us is made new, so are we.

And yet, the chill of winter does take its toll. The warm sun returns, the snow melts, and the roads become muddy and wet. The streets are cleared, but over time they become lined with dingy, brown piles. The pure white highlights disappear from the trees. It is cold, wet and drippy. No one wants to go outside.

So it is with our souls. We go through seasons — of joy, celebration, excitement and adventure — and then longing, dissatisfaction and fear. Past resentments or bitterness threaten to steal our joy once again. The storm clouds of jealousy, greed, disappointment or doubt loom over us; we cannot seem to escape them. These hurts need to purge themselves — sometimes we need to weep, pray, talk to a trusted friend, confess, repent, or simply rest — so that the winter clouds within us are released and we ourselves are cleansed.

What we cannot imagine in the midst of the storm is what it’s going to look like when it’s over. When the sky thunders and the world darkens, we cannot imagine the pure snow that will follow; further we cannot envision the new blooms of spring. But be assured my friend, spring is around the corner. Faith is believing that the sunshine will return even when we cannot see it; faith is trusting that light will bask the world again in glory . . . that light will shine again in our hearts as well.

There is a time and a season for everything: a time to experience the winter of our souls, and a time for spring to come again. As the world is made new each season, the Word promises that we too, through faith in Christ, are made new. If we have the faith to ask, God will gladly give us a new heart and a new song within it. As the restorer of our souls, He shines His light on the dirty piles of hurt, mistakes and failures within us, melts them away, and floods us with clean, pure water, forgiveness, renewal and hope for the future.

May this spring be one of “newness” for you, whether it be a new child in your life, a new faith, a new adventure. Whatever season you are experiencing right now, remember it is only a season. It too shall pass. And what is around the corner, if you keep your eyes on the Son, will draw you closer to Him than the season prior. Spend quiet time alone with God this season. He will surely water your soul, flood it with light and bring about the new blooms of spring.