Wednesday, January 2, 2013

The Beauty of Snow


He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the shower, ‘Be a heavy rain.’  With it, he stops everyone from working, so everyone knows it is the work of God.” Job 37:6-7 CEV
Just the other day I went out to the driveway to start my wife’s car so that it would be warm inside for her and the girls, and there was this strange substance that had accumulated on the windshield wipers.  It was like dust, but white, and cold.  It’s almost hard to believe that it was snow!  A trace, but still snow.

This is such a rare thing for this part of the world.  Of course it was just a dusting, and without some effort, you wouldn’t have even seen it, but it was there, and I know who put it there!
This verse from Job is similar to many work policies in this part of the country (including ours).  It almost sounds biblical: “He says to the snow “Fall on the earth” and everyone stops working!”
I think I appreciate the snow in Texas for this very reason, it is so rare.  Those things that don’t happen all the time have a special way of getting our attention.  Sometimes, the more common beauties of life somehow escape our attention.  It’s as though they’re too familiar to even notice.  That’s a shame really.  We should be more aware of the blessings of God in even the smallest of things.

As rare as snow is for us, imagine how it was for the people of Israel.  We often think of Israel as being mostly desert-like, and that is true for much of the country.  But, like Texas, they did occasionally see snow, especially in the central highlands which includes Jerusalem.  As our verse indicates, the people of Israel knew who the Source of their blessings was.  They also knew whose work the beautiful snowfall was.  The idea that each flake of snow is directed by the Lord our God sort of dazzles me.

What does that look like?  I think about the most complicated systems on the earth, and they pale in comparison.  What is even more striking is that while the snow is falling, everything else that God has in motion continues to work flawlessly as well.  We really can’t fathom the breathtaking power of God Almighty.

In our world we need some things to remind us of the power, and majesty, and sovereignty of our God.  For me one of those things is snowfall.  There is just something about it that reminds me of God’s ever-present work on the earth.  It’s a rare day for us indeed, but I cherish every one.

It’s hard to know if we’ll have a beautiful snowy day this year or not.  It’s certainly been a while for us.  But if we do, take a minute to stop what you’re doing, and consider the Source of the beautiful flakes.  When you do, you’ll appreciate the weather for more than just the accuracy of a forecast
Scripture to Claim:
“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”  (James 1:17)

Submitted By Keith Warren

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