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!