A Prayer for Warmth and Comfort in This Cold Season
By Keri Eichberger
Bible Reading: Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth, you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once more. (Psalm 71:20 –21)
Read or Listen Below:
Snow is covering everything: each blade of grass once vibrant green, every tree that not long since held lush leaves, and all neighboring rooftops that recently radiated the sun's warm rays. And somehow the cold blanket of white has found its way to cover the core of my soul. It comes every year. Not necessarily accumulations of frozen precipitation in my area of the states, but a stark stale season nonetheless that feels a bit more lifeless on the outside, and with each passing day also seems to dim the lights within. A recurring moment in time when the temperature and posture of my spirit become more chilled and downcast.
I don’t know if the climate is sub-freezing where you are, or if your view will never see the sight of snow, but even still, you may feel the absence of comfort and warmth in your current season of life. Is that true of you right now? Could you use a warm-up of the soul? Maybe you find yourself discontent for no apparent reason. Or maybe you are very aware of a constant struggle that’s left your recent days marked with hurt, or stress, or an array of struggles. The truth is, no matter the scene out your window, or the setting of your situation, we all find ourselves in bleak seasons of life. We all seek and long to feel rich, deep, lasting drafts of comfort. Enough to pierce the pit of our being with peace and touches of joy. The blessings that the warmer, brighter, sunnier seasons so easily seem to offer.
But how do we tap into this light when darkness threatens to overtake our hearts?
It really is so simple, yet such a struggle at the same time. Because here’s the truth: God‘s light and warmth are always there, but we forget to turn to it again and again. And we neglect to still our stance and steady our focus when we do briefly lift our eyes. Because let’s face it, the clouds of life are thick sometimes. And we need more than a glance up to truly see the sun and the light. We need to keep our eyes up. We need to acknowledge the light of the Lord is indeed still there. And we need to fixate our gaze on him until we finally find and see him. And when we do that, the light – his light – begins to penetrate our inner spirit, and all other parts of life that have appeared shadowed and frigid.
I think we all need to remember that right now as we turn our face to him. As we look, and as we linger. Each and every one of us who are desperate for comfort and warmth. We need to remember, like Psalm 71 offers, that he will restore our life again, that he will bring us up again, that he will indeed supply comfort once more. Look. Linger. Receive his light. Receive his love. And receive his warmth.
Let’s Pray:
Lord God, you are the God of warmth, comfort, and all things that bring light to my soul. I know you are always present, but many times, when the seasons of life feel cold and dark for various reasons, I find it difficult to see your ever-present light and feel your ever-present love. Lord, give me confidence that you are by my side. Help me remember you are the true source of comfort I can always count on. Help me feel your warm arms surrounding me in this very season at this very moment. Thank you for the abundance of sunshine you supply to my soul whenever I linger long enough in your unwavering presence to receive it. In Your Constant Name, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Nick Page
Related Resource: How to Choose Your One Word for 2026
This month on the How to Study the Bible Podcast, we’re starting a new series called One Word 2026, and it’s meant to be a gentle but intentional way to reflect, respond, and reconnect with God as we begin the year. In this episode, I’m walking you through why I love taking the whole month of January to pause and listen — rather than rushing into resolutions or putting pressure on yourself to “get it all together” by January 1. We’re going to start with Philippians 1:3–11, where Paul reminds us that we can have real confidence because God is still working in us, and He’s not finished.
Then I’m going to share six words I’ve been praying over for our community — six spiritual intentions that I believe reflect the kind of growth God may be inviting us into this year. You don’t have to choose one right away, and you definitely don’t have to force it — but I hope that one of these words will resonate in your spirit and give you a steady anchor for 2026.
This episode is part of our How to Study the Bible Podcast, a show that brings life back to reading the Bible and helps you understand even the hardest parts of Scripture. If this episode helps you know and love God more, be sure to subscribe to the How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
