Treasures of Darkness

"I will give you the treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." 

— Isaiah 45:3

Returning home to North Carolina from Italy, I’m greeted by the stark realities of winter. The trees stand bare, the air is crisp enough to see your breath, and a winter haze softens the already dim light of shorter days. Darkness falls early, and the urge to wrap up under a blanket and slow down feels irresistible.

As someone who loves sunshine and the long, bright days of summer, I used to see winter as a depressing time. More daylight meant more opportunities for productivity, something I thrived on. However, as I’ve leaned into practices like silence, solitude, and rest, my perspective is shifting. Winter is no longer a season to simply "get through" —it’s a time filled with purpose and meaning.

Rest and Renewal

Winter invites the earth to rest. Plants lie dormant, preparing for their eventual growth. Animals hibernate, conserving energy for the active months ahead. Similarly, winter gives us the opportunity to pause, reflect, and recharge. It’s a chance to slow down and listen to God in the stillness, allowing Him to renew our hearts and minds.

God’s Work in Hidden Places

In winter, seeds are buried beneath the soil, starting their quiet journey toward life. Though we can’t see the transformation, it is essential for the flourishing we will witness in spring. Likewise, God often works in the hidden, quiet spaces of our lives, doing His most profound work in times of stillness and darkness.

Light Shines Brighter in Darkness

Winter’s darkness has a way of making light more precious. A single candle glowing in a dark room can illuminate everything with warmth and clarity. In the same way, the presence of Christ—the Light of the World—shines even brighter during life’s dark seasons. Isaiah 45:3 reminds us of God’s promise: “I will give you the treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places.”

The treasures of winter are often subtle, but they are there for us to discover. The quiet, the stillness, the rest—all of these are gifts that invite us to draw closer to God. And as we lean into this season, we can find beauty in the darkness, knowing that it prepares us for the light and growth to come.