Just last year around wintertime, I fell under a deep depression that felt insurmountable to carry. A depression that wasn’t brought on by anything except for — it seemed like — the season itself. And this year, the devil wanted to remind me of that dark, dark place. So much bad began to happen as winter took form. I’m thankful now that I knew how to spot it, knew how God walked with me through the first heavy wave of depression. Because in knowing, my head was on just a little bit tighter. And my mind was just a little more clear.

There were many tears. Many sleepless nights. But I wasn’t hopeless anymore. I knew somehow, someway, things would work out. God would work it out. I couldn’t bring back those close to me who had passed on, but the devil wasn’t getting any more of my joy. In fact, now, in the darkness, I began to shine bright. I wasn’t trudging along trying to make it anymore. I was fighting principalities in high places and declaring peace, freedom and victory over my life and my family’s lives.

Nothing changed around me. If anything, things got worse. I mean, this is the longest, most blustery winter I’ve ever experienced in my adult life. Yet, I can now see good in just about every situation. Because God has taught me to keep my focus on Him. To go to Him for everything. To pray without ceasing. To have faith. To trust. To lean on the creator who knows all and not a people who know little — who are blinded by this corrupt universe. God has made my mind, heart and eyes clear, and in doing so, I live a much more fulfilled life.

“Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.” -Isaiah‬ ‭60‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭(NKJV)‬‬

-Jas