SAD is a real thing.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is related to the changes in the seasons. It may cause a person to feel listless and gloomy, hopeless and worthless, with little interest in things they once enjoyed. It is often thought that this form of seasonal mental darkness is triggered by the diminishing natural sunlight of winter. (When we lived in Alaska, SAD in winter was nearly epidemic.) But actually, according to studies done at the Mayo Clinic, SAD can strike in ANY season—even in the SPRING.
Likewise, there is a type of SAD that affects people during the change of seasons in their lives, too. Through every “seasonal shift,” our bodies experience changes that may trigger sickness and chronic ailments, and these physical changes can also affect our spiritual health. “Spiritual SAD” isn’t necessarily due to a lack of spiritual LIGHT in our life—it can happen to anyone, in any season, and it’s very real.
“There is a thin membrane between the physical and the spiritual. When the body is sick, wounded, or in pain, that physical malady can often seep through this invisible barrier, affecting the spirit. Spiritual pain, if left untreated, can take a toll on one’s physical health just as a broken heart can impact the literal heart, and prolonged sadness can alter a person’s very countenance.” —Michael A. Milton, PHD, “Spiritual Depression”
SAD is real. Therefore, there are two things that we MUST know and remember:
- Seasons WILL change; and
- God WILL remain faithful through every season. Absolutely.
Seasons were God’s idea from the beginning. On Creation’s fourth day, He made the sun and moon to “divide the day from the night … for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years.” He created time to advance on a regular schedule, and He alone orchestrates and controls the scheduling of every season on earth … and in our lives.
The good news is: because He’s in control, He gives us “inside information” through the Holy Spirit—Godly wisdom and knowledge to navigate through the cyclical changes of life. Fear NOT … He KNOWS, He cares, He understands the end from the beginning—and, naturally, we cannot. But, God—if we listen to His voice through His Word—faithfully imparts to us His wisdom, understanding, and LIGHT for every season. We need LIGHT!
In the beginning, before He created the seasons, God made LIGHT. In fact, “God IS LIGHT, and in him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5) When we observe His mercy, holiness, and love—we find that the light of illumination also shines back on US, revealing our own shortcomings. “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23 KJV) We would never even be aware of our faults except that God shined His LIGHT on us. But, that should never cause us to run away from the light! Why? Because there’s spiritual healing, cleansing, nutrients, and relief from SADness in His LIGHT! We need it! And as sure as the sun keeps shining and the world keeps turning, we WILL have all the LIGHT we need for every season.
“Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: and he changeth the times and the seasons … he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.” (Daniel 2:20-22 KJV)
Therefore, whatever SEASON of life we find ourselves in, whether cold and dark, or sunny and bright, God has a WORD and a WAY to navigate through it. He is FAITHFUL, and His Word will faithfully guide us every step of every day. But, it is up to us to identify our season, to accept it, and—before it changes to the next—to LIVE IT! LOVE IT! EMBRACE IT with all our energy and make the very most of it while we can!
So, what SEASON are YOU in?
If you’re in SPRING: BLOOM!
Know that God loves you! Learn all you can. Explore and discover who you are and what you’re made to be. Learn to be secure in the YOU that God made YOU to become!
- “O GOD, you are my God; early will I seek you.” (Psalm 63:1)
- “Teach me your laws. You are good, and you do good things.” (Psalm 119:68)
If you’re in SUMMER: GROW!
Develop your relationship with God NOW! Grow close to Jesus. Memorize His Word—PLANT it in your heart. Cultivate and grow your skills and talents and healthy friendships. Keep learning—don’t waste the summer—but learn now to focus on what is truly important!
- “Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18)
- “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
If you’re in AUTUMN: FLOURISH!
Be fruitful in God and multiply your gifts! Take what you’ve learned, and allow the fruit of the Spirit to manifest in all you do. Don’t hold back. Build, invest, and reap the harvest you were designed by God to produce!
- “I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
- “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:10)
If you’re in WINTER: SHARE and REST!
Spend more time at the feet of Jesus. Share with others the store of knowledge that you’ve gathered—don’t just hunker down—but enjoy the season! You’ve worked for it! Don’t feel guilty about resting more than you’re used to—but determine to FINISH WELL!
- “Yes, Lord, I will remember your wonders of old. I will meditate on your work and think about what you have done. (Psalm 77:12-13)
- “Even in old age, the righteous will be vigorous, still full of sap, still bearing fruit.” (Psalm 92:15)
Seasons come and go …
- “Seedtime and harvest … summer AND winter.” (Genesis 8:22)
- “The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; BLESSED be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1:21)
- “For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Each season has a holiday in it. Regardless of the weather that a season brings, there is always a reason to CELEBRATE! It’s your choice—your call. Choose to celebrate YOUR season!
“This is the (season) which the LORD hath made; I WILL REJOICE and be GLAD in it.” (Psalms 118:24)
