Winter: A Season for Spiritual Preparation
As believers in Messiah we must take the notion of spiritual preparation seriously. Time spent with Yah is how we prep for Kingdom warfare.
I must admit however, that during the winter months, after the fall feasts have ended, I often find myself challenged. The glory of the Sukkot feast days of October has long faded away, giving rise to a progression of so-called holidays. These winter season pagan celebrations are commonly known as Christmas, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day. They are some of the high watermarks of the worldly Gregorian calendar.
Torah-observant believers like us realize how difficult it can be to be around those who reject the Father’s appointed times gatherings. Biblical calendar keepers know how stressful these encounters can be.
Additionally, being cooped up inside for months poses other challenges. During these winter months of lifelessness, bitter cold, little exercise, and lack of sunshine, we may fall prey to depression. As daunting as these obstacles may seem, we know that nature’s resurrection is on the horizon.
The biblical new year’s start in the spring season is so fitting because it is filled with evidence of new life. Our renewed joy in Messiah Yahusha has cycled back again. With unbridled anticipation, we look forward to celebrating the spring feasts: Passover (Pesach), Unleavened Bread (Matzah), Shavuot (Pentecost), and Firstfruits..
Spiritual Preparation Is Our Battle Armor
It may be tempting to use the winter doldrums as an excuse to ride out the clock. However, as believers we must resist the urge. I encourage Torah followers to use this time to hone their skills and dive deeper into the scriptures. We must use this time to prepare for battle.
Let us not forget that we are constantly in a war, as it is written, “Because we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against authorities, against the world-rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual matters of wickedness in the heavenlies.
Ephesians 6:12 TS2009
The world is the battlefield that we must conquer through the help of the Ruach HaKodesh — the Holy Spirit. The way we prepare spiritually to fight this battle is through prayer and obedience. This takes time and dedication.
2 Samuel 11:1 tells us that it was at the turn of the year (spring/vernal equinox) when sovereigns went out to battle. The long winter months provide a great opportunity to regroup our thoughts and rededicate ourselves to the study of Yah’s word. Doing so prepares us spiritually for the new battles which will inevitably come.
Brothers and sisters, let us take this message to heart as we put on the armor of Yahuah (Ephesians 6:8-10) and spiritually prepare for the challenges ahead. Be encouraged and emboldened by the strength and protection we have in our Elohim Yahuah.
I leave you with a few verses of encouragement:
Blessed be Yahuah. Day by day He bears our burden, the El of our deliverance! Selah.
Psalms 68:19 TS2009
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our afflictions, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
1 Corinthians 1:3-4 HCSB
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not fight according to the flesh. For the weapons we fight with are not fleshly but mighty in Elohim for overthrowing strongholds, overthrowing reasonings and every high matter that exalts itself against the knowledge of Elohim, taking captive every thought to make it obedient to the Messiah, and being ready to punish all disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
2 Corinthians 10:3-6 TS 2009
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall prove wrong. This is the inheritance of the servants of יהוה, and their righteousness from Me,” declares יהוה.
Isaiah 54:17 TS 2009
Blessings and Shalom.