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As we get deeper into winter and start to yearn for the new life of spring, I wanted to relate something personal, and hopefully, encouraging. Winter can be a time of loneliness for many. The bones ache a bit more. Some of us don't interact with people as much. Our vitamin D reserves get low.

I have never personally struggled with depression, but I have struggled with loneliness. I remember the struggle as a single young man. I remember the struggle when I lost my daughter. Other times, it just seems to creep upon me without cause. The last time it hit me, I was in a big crowd of people. I. felt. alone.

But, I wasn't.

I have learned that we need to turn to the only One who can satisfy our deepest longings. Like David, we must cry out, "Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted" (Ps. 25:16 NIV). Most of us believe this. Most of us know that God comforts, but what we may not know is that our dreaded loneliness is an annoying and painful substitute for a very important part of the Christian life. It may appear to be a similar concept from the outside looking in, but the experience couldn’t be much more different. I am speaking of solitude.

Loneliness is not the same as solitude. People can be lonely in the presence of many people. It is a state of mind; it is not directly correlated with lack of human contact. Loneliness is often associated with darkness, depression, or anxiety. It is an experience that most people want to avoid and one that some even turn to substance abuse or other unhealthy habits to avoid. Sometimes it is a direct result of filling our lives with noise instead of what matters most; other times we fill our lives with noise and distractions in order to avoid it.

Solitude is a chosen state of being quiet and alone. It is positive. It is an opportunity to seek for peaceful reflection or much needed recharging. As a Christian, it can be a deeply needed spiritual experience.

If you find yourself feeling alone and longing for spring, be assured, the trees will soon bud and the flowers will bloom. The sun will invigorate you and warm breezes will touch your skin once again. In the meantime, welcome the opportunity for solitude. Be grateful for your warm house. Massage your mood with a comforting book. Turn off the technology, be still, and know God, “for the LORD God is a sun and shield” (Ps. 84:11a ESV). During times of solitude, we can commune with the One who can shield us from anxiety and fear. He can shield us from feelings of isolation and dread. He will enlighten and invigorate our mood and fill our hearts with quiet joy and peace. He is there and has promised to never leave or forsake those who put their trust in Him.

We look forward to the new heavens in which "the city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp" (Rev. 21:23 NIV). Until then, view this cold season as an opportunity to draw near to the Lord God, the Savior of your soul, your Friend who promises to be with you always. And you might want to pop a vitamin D supplement, just for good measure.