2026 The Gift Of Sacred Rest Series: Sacred Winter Rest

Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us to everything there is a season. Winter was created by God, intentionally, lovingly, as a time for slowing, deepening, and restoring what has been depleted. In creation, winter is when life retreats beneath the surface. Roots grow stronger. The soil rests. Nothing looks productive, yet everything is being prepared. And so it is with us.

Image by Aaron Burden, Unsplash
Music by Narek Mirzaei

Transcript

Welcome friends.

I'm so glad you chose to join me today as we walk through this week's reflection,

Sacred Winter Rest.

I'm Tanya Murphy with Rest in His Presence.

Winter isn't a season to rush through.

It's not a problem to fix and it's not a delay you need to push past.

Winter was created by God intentionally,

Lovingly,

As a time for slowing down,

For deepening,

For restoring what has been worn thin.

When we look at creation we see this so clearly.

In winter,

Life doesn't disappear,

It retreats beneath the surface.

Roots grow stronger,

The soil rests,

Nothing looks productive yet everything is being quietly prepared.

The same holds true for us.

Before Lent calls us into reflection and surrender,

Winter gently offers us permission to rest,

To hibernate,

To nest,

To listen more closely for the quiet work God is doing within us.

So give yourself permission to move slowly,

To release urgency,

To receive rest,

Not as laziness but as trust.

Winter is not empty,

It is full of God.

So let's settle in and reflect on Ecclesiastes 3 and 1.

There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.

Find a comfortable,

Quiet place to sit or lie down.

Take a slow,

Deep breath in through the nose and slowly,

Gently let it go through the mouth.

As you exhale,

Soften your neck and shoulders.

Now one more deep breath in and long,

Slow exhale out,

Letting your body know it's safe to rest.

Silently repeat to yourself,

I surrender to stillness and God's timing.

As you breathe,

Imagine yourself resting in God's care,

Being hailed,

Loved,

With no expectations placed on you.

Nothing to prove,

Nothing to produce,

Just being.

And when you're ready,

Gently whisper,

Lord,

Help me receive this season as you intended.

Let's remain here for a few quiet moments,

Resting in the fullness of God's winter care.

Thank you for joining me today and rest well.

Reviews

Timely lesson and meditation. I’ve had so much life change in the past several months. It’s been a bit traumatic. I’m just getting to slow down but it feels uncomfortable and trying. This meditation helps me consider the gift of winter as a natural season and a life season. Thank you.

Excellent! Exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you 😊

Beautiful reminder of what winter is about, and the healing that resting in God brings to us. Love Tanya's gentle calming voice, the background music and the peace that flows from the meditation. All of Tanya's messages make me feel like I'm spending time with a close dear friend.

So peaceful and loving, just what we all need at this time ❄️💖🙏

That was truly beautiful! I usually dread winter but this gave me a much different perspective! Thank you!