Depending on how one views the calendar, the winter solstice happens at a moment in time between December 21 and 22 each year. It happens at the moment in the earth’s annual orbit around the sun when the earth’s axis is tilted farthest away from the sun. Practically speaking, it marks the end of long nights, short days, and the beginning of short nights, long days. 

Spiritually speaking, we long for a winter solstice-type moment in our life when we are going through times of trouble. We want to reach a point when we see more light than darkness in each day, when the darkness of discouragement gives way to the light of joy and hope as the Son rises anew in our life. Until that light appears, we can use the darkness as a time to meditate and reflect on the unchanging character and nature of God. While darkness may affect how we see Him, darkness does not change Him. The psalmist David said he would think about God as he lay on his bed at night. He meditated on Him through the “watches”—the stages, the progression—of the night.

Ask God to walk with you through the stages of your dark night. Remember who He is and what He has done for you.

The greater your knowledge of the goodness and grace of God on your life, the more likely you are to praise Him in the storm.

Matt Chandler