In the southern hemisphere our nights are now longer as winter’s cold fingers wraps itself around us. On 21June we have our shortest daylight hours. Drinking Milo, enjoying hearty stews and hot soups whilst sitting next to a cosy fireplace is synonymous with winter. As we spend a bit more time indoors, we value the time with our family members. There is close interaction, laughter and relaxation. Not just a warm house, but a loving home!
Unfortunately, not everyone can relate to this. Many people feel particularly lonely at this time of year. The colder weather and long, dark nights cast a shadow of gloominess over them. Some feel isolated, frail, unwell, or burdened with heavy responsibilities.
When I worried about something or tried to get through a bad patch it always felt much worse during the dark hours of the night. The problems seemed insurmountable. One thing I have learnt is that when you feel this overwhelmed, it is best you stop what you are doing, because chances are you are looking at the problem through the wrong "lens." In the dark of night your mind can be like a maze. Your own ideas and plans run into dead ends. There is no solution, no way out. Rather go and rest. That very same problem or impossible situation will look much better the next day through the eyes of a new sunrise. Micah 7:8 testifies to this; Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my Light.
"For with you is the fountain of life; in Your Light we see light." Ps. 36:9
It makes a big difference if you have slept well and see the sun shining again. Let light enter your room! Open those curtains, drink in a new day with a thankful heart. Ps. 119:130 "The unfolding of Your Words gives light." God gives creative solutions to our problems. Pray and ask for His help and perspective. The Spirit of God; the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge and fear of the Lord, is your help. Now tackle that same problem with Godly insight. May you then testify that "even in darkness light dawns for the upright." Ps. 112:4
Many trees are deciduous and then those bare winter branches look like they are dead. Arborists will tell you that although the tree is dormant, energy is 
redirected for essential maintenance and preparation for later expansion of the root system, so that the tree will be strong when spring arrives. Growth happens where you cannot see it. The tree is preparing itself to be strong to sustain the new leaves, branches flowers and/or fruit. There is a saying; take care of your tree from the root up!
As in the natural, so in the spiritual. In the Bible trees are frequently used as a metaphor for people. Like winter trees, we also need to look at our "root" system, so to speak. In Psalm 1 we read that we should delight ourselves in God's Word. Be like a tree planted by streams of water that yields his fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. When you are rooted in Yeshua, the storms of life cannot uproot you. Such a person is content, blessed and happy. Embrace these winter nights and spend time with your Lord and Saviour. Meditate on His Word. Jeremiah 17:7-8 says when you trust Adonai you do not fear when heat comes, you have no worries in a year of drought, you never fail to bear fruit, because your confidence is in Him.
I was listening to a song and the phrase I filled my lamp with oil reminded me of the parable of the ten virgins. The five wise virgins had extra oil. It speaks of being prepared, as well as being diligent. Remember, an olive is crushed to get the oil out. All your past hardships was a form of preparation, of gathering your own oil. When a believer has a close personal relationship with Abba Father you endure the crushing pressure because you know it makes you stronger. It is all to His glory. His light in you draws people closer to Him.
In the temple's Holy place, the menorah's light shone its light on the table of showbread. The bread is a picture of Yeshua, the living Word. The Light of the Menorah is a picture of the seven-fold Holy Spirit. These are the two witnesses that will stand forever: Spirit and truth! The world will be shaken, but God's Word will remain forever! Shavuot, the feast of Pentecost speaks to this. Spirit and truth!
Sag. 4:9 "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord Almighty."
If you feel like a "bare branch of a tree," take heart and be comforted. Yeshua knows exactly how to nourish the root system of your life. Remain strong in Him.
Praise be to our Father who is resplendent with light, more majestic than mountains rich with game. I can walk before God in the light of life because the Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear. I will be still and know that He is God. He will be exalted among the nations and in all the earth!
- Mattot : Faithful Words, Faithful Hearts July 7, 2026Parashat Mattot poses three timeless questions: Are our words trustworthy? Are we removing compromise from our lives? Are we committed to the wellbeing of Father’s people as much as our own family? The portion of Mattot begins with instructions about vows and oaths. In a world where words can be spoken lightly and […]
- Pinchas: Zeal that Brings Life June 28, 2026Parashat Pinchas opens in the wake of a somber chapter in Israel's history. The people had succumbed to idolatry and immorality at Baal Peor, inviting divine judgment upon the camp. Amidst this crisis, Pinchas demonstrated zealous devotion to the holiness of YHVH, and his actions averted Elohim's anger. Consequently, he was granted a "covenant […]
- Prophetic images of hope : Pictures of Messiah in Chukat June 23, 2026Parashat Chukat, Numbers 19:1-22:1, contains some of the most mysterious passages in the Torah : The accounts of the water from the Rock, the Red Heifer and the bronze Serpent beautifully bridge the Torah and the Good News, showing that even in the wilderness YHVH was already revealing His plan of redemption through Messiah […]
- Korach : The Subtle Seed of Rebellion June 14, 2026Parashat Korach (Numbers 16-18) is far more than the story of a man who challenged Moses. It is a warning about the subtle seed of rebellion that can grow in any heart. Korach was a Levite, chosen for a sacred calling, yet he became dissatisfied with the role YHVH had given him. Under […]
- From Fear to Faith: Learning from the Spies June 9, 2026Parashat Sh’lach (Numbers 13–15) tells the dramatic story of the twelve spies sent to explore the Promised Land. All twelve saw the same land flowing with milk and honey. All twelve carried the same giant cluster of grapes back to Israel. Yet only two, Joshua and Caleb, returned with faith. The other ten […]
- The Tongue: From Fire to Restoration May 31, 2026Last week, in Nosa (Numbers 4:21-7:89), we discussed the priestly blessing as a model of restoration, where people are lifted up and blessed. This week, in Beha'alotcha (Numbers 8:1-12:16), we see a practical illustration of this in the lives of Moses and Miriam. James 3:5-10 paints a vivid and unsettling picture of the […]
- Heaven’s Voice, Echoed on Earth May 26, 2026Comparing the Priestly blessing in Numbers 6:24-26 with the Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6:9-13, we find a beautiful symmetry in Scripture, like and echo reflecting back. One is spoken over the people, the other through the people, yet both flow from the same divine heart. The Priestly Blessing begins, “יהוה bless you and […]
- Ruth 4: The Redeemer at the Gate — A Messianic Reflection May 19, 2026Ruth 4 brings the story to the city gate—the place of decision, witness, and redemption. What has been unfolding in quiet fields now steps into the light. Boaz meets the nearer kinsman-redeemer before the elders. The right to redeem Naomi’s land is offered, but when the cost becomes clear—marrying Ruth and raising up […]
- Ruth 3: At the Threshing Floor May 19, 2026The chapter unfolds in the stillness of night, on a threshing floor where grain is separated and hearts are laid bare. What began in famine is now progressing toward redemption—but not without intention, courage, and trust. Naomi tells Ruth to approach Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, and make a bold request. Ruth humbly goes to […]
- Ruth 2 : Grace in the field May 19, 2026Like seeds hidden beneath the earth, the chapter artfully shifts the story from a feeling of emptiness to one of provision, a change that occurs with remarkable quietness. Ruth goes to the fields to collect what's left, fulfilling the role of the poor and the foreigner. It appears to be a fortunate coincidence […]
