Forget lions and lambs. March is coming in like a polar bear here in my neck of the Midwest.
On Sunday, church was cancelled because of the snow. A day later—16 days until the official start of spring—the temperature app on my phone said it was 0 degrees outside.
My daughters had another “inclement-weather” day off last Wednesday—bringing them up to six for the school year. That same evening, my dad was hospitalized for pneumonia—his third stay at the local medical center in three months. He was released today, but it was touch-and-go there for a while.
I’m so thankful for answered prayers and the peace of God that transcends understanding—without these, I would have been a complete mess last week.
With all the weather closings and hospital visits—plus the fact that Randy and I are doing the Whole30 again and have gone without dairy products, grains and added sugar for four weeks—I haven’t had much time or creative energy to write lately.
Yesterday, though, I read some verses that refer directly to God’s control over the weather, and I thought it fitting to share them here:
“He sends his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast? He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.” (Psalm 147:15-18, NIV)
Even as we’re bracing ourselves against the latest effects of the Polar Vortex or longing for relief from seasonal affective disorder, it might help to remember that the many winter weather events we’ve had this year—like all of life—have come at God’s direction.
Will this alleviate our desire for spring to come? Probably not, but maybe it will encourage our hearts to know that the sovereign Lord who controls the heavenly snow machine and the celestial thermostat is the same Savior who cares when we’re hurting and is strong enough to help us through any struggle.
As the psalmist puts it, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.” (Psalm 147:3-5, NIV)
Friends, let’s rest in that, even as we pray for God to stir up the spring breezes and melt away every last trace of winter.
♥ Lois
Like all of life, the many winter weather events we’ve had this year have come at God’s direction. Click To TweetP.S. I’m linking up this week with Purposeful Faith, #TellHisStory, Let’s Have Coffee, Faith on Fire, Faith ‘n Friends and Grace & Truth.
16 comments
It is so good to know that God is in control and cares more about what is happening in our lives than we do. All it took was the weather to help you point us to the power and love of God. Thank you!
Amen!
I can only imagine hanging on during yet another snow (that looks gorgeous in pictures!). But so grateful that spring always comes and with it, the hope of new things and fresh beginnings.
I’m grateful for that too, Lisa. Hugs to you today!
Yes, we are caught in the teeth of winter here as well! I’m trying to look at the cancellations as grace moments–unexpected time at home. And since the weather is too cold and snowy outside for good, brisk walks, I’m experimenting with exercise videos on line.
(No spandex, but plenty of jumping around!)
Blessings to you as we wait for the promise of spring to be released from the clenched fist of a long winter.
That’s a great way to look at cancellations, Michele … as “grace moments.” And good for you to try out those online exercise videos … my old treadmill doesn’t offer snow days, but I’ve been fighting a sinus infection so I’m taking a short exercise break this week. 🙂
Lois, this is such a hope-filled post. I’m so thankful nothing takes God by surprise. Even when we walk through the winters in our lives, He is with us, and in time He brings springtime to our days.
I’m continuing to pray for you and your family, my friend. Sending you a Colorado hug!
Aw, Jeanne … I’m glad you saw hope in this post. I felt like it was sort of cobbled together and last-minute, but hope was what I was feeling as I wrote it! 🙂 Thank you for your prayers, my friend … they truly do make all the difference in the world.
Oh yes – I am praying for spring breezes!! Let’s all join forces! Hope your dad is doing much better!!
Thanks, Jennifer. Maybe with the arrival of Daylight Savings Time, the weather will take the hint. 🙂
Lois, I’m sorry to hear about your dad having pneumonia but I’m glad he is out of hospital and recovering. It’s true that even in circumstances we wish we could change it does bring comfort to remember that God is still in charge of it all. I hope you get some warmer weather soon.
Thanks, Lesley. I hope you are still enjoying your warmer weather! 🙂
The weather has really been different in so many places this winter. It seems we both wrote about winter this week. When my heart is weary of winter, it helps me to intentionally find beauty and value in it. It is so encouraging to remember that “the sovereign Lord who controls the heavenly snow machine and the celestial thermostat is the same Savior who cares when we’re hurting and is strong enough to help us through any struggle.” Thank you for sharing this hope, dear Lois! I’m so sorry your dad had pneumonia again. Love and blessings of peace and strength to each of you!
I actually love winter, Trudy, but that last snowfall made me ready to turn the calendar page into spring. 🙂 I noticed that you wrote about winter too … I will be heading over to your site here shortly. Thank you for your encouragement, my friend. Hugs to you, and happy almost Spring!
Lois,
Even here in the South, it’s been cold, gray, rain, rain, rain. We’re ready to build the ark. We get one day that resembles spring and then back into the wintry weather. My heart is longing for Spring, but like all things, it will come in God’s good time. Such longing reminds me of my longing for Christ to come again. Kind of appropriate for this time of year!! May you have a blessed and reflective Lenten season.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Thank you, Bev. You’re so right about God’s timing … there’s much comfort in that thought!