When the colder months trigger grief, anxiety, or seasonal depression, Psalm 94:19 offers an anchor: God’s consolation brings real joy even when our hearts feel heavy. Fall and winter can stir painful memories, shorten our daylight, and intensify emotional weight—but these seasons don’t have to be walked alone. God meets us in the darkness, understands the sorrow we carry, and invites us to bring every fear, memory, and ache to Him for comfort and healing.

Highlights


Seasonal shifts can stir grief, trauma, or depression, making fall and winter emotionally overwhelming.


Psalm 94:19 reminds us that God brings joy even when anxiety runs deep.


Talking with God—and with trusted loved ones or professionals—creates space for healing.


Painful seasons don’t mean you’re alone; God fully understands the weight you carry.


New memories, community, and small steps of connection can help soften the heaviness.


With God, joy can return even to seasons marked by loss or sorrow.


Healing often comes slowly, but God remains present and tender with every step.

Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas!

Full Transcript Below:

When the Fall and Winter Seasons Feel Heavy
By Vivian Bricker 

Bible Reading:
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” - Psalm 94:19 

Autumn is a season of beautiful leaves, crisp air, and an endless array of pumpkin-themed sweets. For many, the autumn season rings in fond memories and excitement for the upcoming holidays. However, for some, the colder months loom like a dark cloud.

At one time, I, too, loved the autumn season as I was excited to see the leaves change, go trick-or-treating, and get ready for the start of the holiday season. However, each fall has a heaviness over it ever since my mom passed away a few autumns ago. Ever since then, it has been difficult to associate these months with anything else.

Fall can be heavy, and it can be overwhelming at times for many of us. Perhaps, like me, you experienced a traumatic life event that clouds each autumn with sad memories. Or, perhaps you experience seasonal depression during the fall and winter - something that is common among many people. The days get shorter, and we’re left in darkness for much longer. Know that whatever it may be that is bringing heaviness into your life during this time, you are not alone. 

If you feel that fall is a difficult season to navigate, it is essential to talk with God as well as loved ones about what you are feeling. Reaching out to medical professionals can also be helpful if you ever have concerns about depression, anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm. Even if you only have minimal concerns around any of these things, be proactive about addressing them with your primary care provider. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

The Bible tells us, “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy” (Psalm 94:19). Although fall can bring much sorrow into our hearts, God can also bring joy into them. Whenever our hearts are full of anxiety, sorrow, or pain, we need to go to the Lord in prayer. God's consolation will bring us joy. 

God understands the pain we are feeling and how certain seasons can cause painful memories or depression to resurface. Despite the pain and heartbreak we are experiencing, God can help us to see the light of life again. Even if you think you will never enjoy fall again or you won't be able to walk into autumn without pain, know that it is more than possible. All things are possible with God (Matthew 19:26). 

The heaviness may continue; however, try to allow God to heal your weary heart. God may provide healing through your family, friends, or spouse. Make new memories with those around you and treasure the memories of the past. We might always feel a bit heavy when fall comes around, but sometimes this heaviness can keep our loved ones close to our hearts.

Why does this season feel especially heavy for you? How can you bring those things to God? He longs to bring joy to a weary heart - all you need to do is reach for Him.

Further Reading:

Psalm 34:17-18

Zephaniah 3:17

Joshua 1:9

When the colder months trigger grief, anxiety, or seasonal depression, Psalm 94:19 offers an anchor: God&rsquo;s consolation brings real joy even when our hearts feel heavy. Fall and winter can stir painful memories, shorten our daylight, and intensify emotional weight&mdash;but these seasons don&rsquo;t have to be walked alone. God meets us in the darkness, understands the sorrow we carry, and invites us to bring every fear, memory, and ache to Him for comfort and healing.
Highlights
<ul data-start="494" data-end="1104">
<li data-start="494" data-end="601">
Seasonal shifts can stir grief, trauma, or depression, making fall and winter emotionally overwhelming.
</li>
<li data-start="602" data-end="677">
Psalm 94:19 reminds us that God brings joy even when anxiety runs deep.
</li>
<li data-start="678" data-end="770">
Talking with God&mdash;and with trusted loved ones or professionals&mdash;creates space for healing.
</li>
<li data-start="771" data-end="859">
Painful seasons don&rsquo;t mean you&rsquo;re alone; God fully understands the weight you carry.
</li>
<li data-start="860" data-end="949">
New memories, community, and small steps of connection can help soften the heaviness.
</li>
<li data-start="950" data-end="1020">
With God, joy can return even to seasons marked by loss or sorrow.
</li>
<li data-start="1021" data-end="1104">
Healing often comes slowly, but God remains present and tender with every step.
</li>
</ul>
Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/holiday-gift-guide-2025/">Holiday Gift Guide</a>
Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide&mdash;from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there&rsquo;s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas!
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
When the Fall and Winter Seasons Feel Heavy By Vivian Bricker&nbsp;
Bible Reading: &ldquo;When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.&rdquo; - Psalm 94:19&nbsp;
Autumn is a season of beautiful leaves, crisp air, and an endless array of pumpkin-themed sweets. For many, the autumn season rings in fond memories and excitement for the upcoming holidays. However, for some, the colder months loom like a dark cloud.
At one time, I, too, loved the autumn season as I was excited to see the leaves change, go trick-or-treating, and get ready for the start of the holiday season. However, each fall has a heaviness over it ever since my mom passed away a few autumns ago. Ever since then, it has been difficult to associate these months with anything else.
Fall can be heavy, and it can be overwhelming at times for many of us. Perhaps, like me, you experienced a traumatic life event that clouds each autumn with sad memories. Or, perhaps you experience seasonal depression during the fall and winter - something that is common among many people. The days get shorter, and we&rsquo;re left in darkness for much longer. Know that whatever it may be that is bringing heaviness into your life during this time, you are not alone.&nbsp;
If you feel that fall is a difficult season to navigate, it is essential to talk with God as well as loved ones about what you are feeling. Reaching out to medical professionals can also be helpful if you ever have concerns about depression, anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm. Even if you only have minimal concerns around any of these things, be proactive about addressing them with your primary care provider.&nbsp;
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
The Bible tells us, &ldquo;When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy&rdquo; (Psalm 94:19). Although fall can bring much sorrow into our hearts, God can also bring joy into them. Whenever our hearts are full of anxiety, sorrow, or pain, we need to go to the Lord in prayer. God's consolation will bring us joy.&nbsp;
God understands the pain we are feeling and how certain seasons can cause painful memories or depression to resurface. Despite the pain and heartbreak we are experiencing, God can help us to see the light of life again. Even if you think you will never enjoy fall again or you won't be able to walk into autumn without pain, know that it is more than possible. All things are possible with God (Matthew 19:26).&nbsp;
The heaviness may continue; however, try to allow God to heal your weary heart. God may provide healing through your family, friends, or spouse. Make new memories with those around you and treasure the memories of the past. We might always feel a bit heavy when fall comes around, but sometimes this heaviness can keep our loved ones close to our hearts.
Why does this season feel especially heavy for you? How can you bring those things to God? He longs to bring joy to a weary heart - all you need to do is reach for Him.
Further Reading:
Psalm 34:17-18
Zephaniah 3:17
Joshua 1:9

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.

Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:

☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It)
☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment
☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life
☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life
☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church
☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer
☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation
☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year

If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.
Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:
☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It) ☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment ☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life ☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life ☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church ☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer ☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation ☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year
If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/">https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.</a>

7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life.

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