When In Hibernation

There are seasons in my life that feel like hibernation - you know, that state of inactivity that characterizes animals like bears in the cold winter months. Hibernation is a way to conserve energy when the food supply is unavailable. It's pretty amazing when you think about how God designed animals to hibernate. But hibernation is a part of the lives of these animals. They need it to survive. 

My seasons of hibernation look a little different. They aren't characterized by inactivity but rather a huge surge of busyness and activity. Externally, it looks like the opposite of hibernation. Internally, I feel like a bear ready to sleep to conserve my energy.  

I realized this morning while getting ready that I go through a season like this almost every spring. There's usually that post-Christmas and winter break surge of activity. My spring semesters of college are always the busiest. Since this semester is my last, the pressure to do "all the things" before I graduate is on. However, these seasons are also the ones when I feel the most lethargic.

In these seasons of busyness, my soul hibernation is a result of forgetting where my energy and my "food" comes from. 

Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." {Matthew 4:4}

Jesus says this to Satan, when Satan tries to tempt him in the desert. Jesus is referencing what Moses says to the Israelites in regards to their ungratefulness of being brought out of Egypt and God's provision of manna.

When I'm in a state of soul hibernation - when I just want to be inactive and not do anything, (because there's so much going on around me, yet my energy feels low), I need to be reminded that I don't live on bread alone. As a follower of Christ and a daughter of God, I'm dependent upon God's Words to revive my soul and give me energy. It's God's Word that conserves my energy to endure during seasons of busyness and to even evaluate what I should cut out. 

How about you? Are you in a state of soul hibernation? When there's so much going on around you, but you feel empty? Or even if there's not a lot of activity in your life right now, but you're just trying to survive the cold weather, there is hope! 

For one, all seasons change. Secondly, God never changes and He is the good Shepherd that wants to restore your soul, even in the midst of hibernation. This is what I'm clinging to during this season.  

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23