February is my least favorite month of the year.

By the time the glow of the holiday season dims and the end of January looms, my heart is already dreading the dark stretch of winter that comes between Christmas and springtime. I spend most of my days trying to ward off the chill and dreaming of the moment when the first flowers will poke their heads out of the frozen ground.

Too often, February mirrors the dark winters of our spiritual lives. When I experience hardships, my heart becomes burdened with discouragement and doubt. I grow weary of difficult days when God feels far away. Instead of seeking comfort in Scripture, I go into spiritual hibernation. My mind is often preoccupied with dreams of warmer, easier days.

Maybe you’ve experienced something similar in your own life. Whether you’re looking for encouragement to ward off the winter blues or feeling the heavy burden of spiritual struggles, your heart can find shelter and hope in God’s Word.

Here are four verses to help warm your heart in the middle of winter.

God’s love for you is eternal.

Give thanks to the LORD, because he is good;
his love is eternal.
Give thanks to the greatest of all gods;
his love is eternal.
Give thanks to the mightiest of all lords;
his love is eternal.

Psalm 136:1-3 GNT

God is the source of your hope for every discouraging season.

May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13 GNT

God is your defender and protector through every hardship.

Whoever goes to the LORD for safety,
whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty,
can say to him,
“You are my defender and protector.
You are my God; in you I trust.”

Psalm 91:1-2 GNT

God’s Word shines brightly even in the darkest seasons.

The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.

John 1:4-5 GNT