Put away your pumpkin spice, autumnal gourds, and freshly picked apples. I’m the one woman in all of America who hates the fall.

Well, actually, I don’t really hate fall. I just hate what it represents: the descent into shorter days, colder nights, more sneezes on the subway. When a friend squeals over her new flannel dress, I want to yell, Don’t you realize what you’re celebrating? You’re welcoming in the cold, depressing winter!

But recently, as I began dreading the winter, I realized: Dreading something won’t make it come any slower. Deep down inside, I truly believed that if I hated autumn, winter would be too ashamed to come at me with frostbite. Silly, I know! So this year, I’m challenging myself with this question:

What if I choose to find joy in every season, not just the warm and light ones?

What season do you find yourself in today? Does it emotionally feel like winter already? Like me, are you in a season of dread? Maybe you’re gearing up for a big move. Perhaps you lost your job. Maybe you lost a loved one or a close relationship. Wherever you find yourself, you can ask God to bring you his peace, joy, and hope during this time. Let’s ask God together:

God, I don’t like where I’m at in life right now. I don’t feel safe. Please surround me with your peace.

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
    I will fear no one.
The Lord protects me from all danger;
    I will never be afraid. — Psalm 27:1 (GNTD)

Lord, I feel so overwhelmed by big changes. It’s hard for me to feel grounded and like I can enjoy the little moments. Help me find joy even during these big changes.

Who stood up for me against the wicked?
    Who took my side against the evildoers?
If the Lord had not helped me,
    I would have gone quickly to the land of silence.
I said, “I am falling;”
    but your constant love, O Lord, held me up.
Whenever I am anxious and worried,
    you comfort me and make me glad. — Psalm 94:16-19 (GNTD)

God, it’s hard to imagine the day when I’ll feel secure, happy, and light again. Remind me that there is hope for a new day. Show me that things will get better with time.

The Lord himself will lead you and be with you. He will not fail you or abandon you, so do not lose courage or be afraid. —  Deuteronomy 31:8 (GNTD)

Lord, I trust you. Thank you for giving me life. Thank you for hard changes and big transitions. I know you are using them to help me grow! Amen.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way. — Proverbs 3:5-6 (GNTD)