Psalm 74:17 “It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter.”Winter has arrived in full swing.
Cold winds that literally take your breath away.
Below zero temperatures.
Extra layers of clothing.
Yes, winter is here and most of us find ourselves complaining about the excruciating cold and the endless piles of snow on the ground.
Gloomy. Dark. Frigid. Bone-chilling. Frosty. Bitter. Arctic. COLD!
But according to the verse in Psalm 74, God made the summer AND winter. It wasn’t a mistake. It’s not like he ran out of heat and made up another season at the last minute. No. He created winter for a purpose.
I don’t fully understand everything about God’s creation, but here are a few silver linings I’ve embraced as I’ve endured the harsh winter weather this past week:
1. It makes me appreciate the warmth of heat.
Usually when we’re hot, we don’t think about the blessing of heat. In fact, we’re usually looking for ways to cool off in the hot weather. But when winter comes, even the smallest bit of heat can be soothing to one’s frigid cold hands. This past week I found myself thinking about those who live on the streets who may be struggling to survive this arctic-blast weather. Heat. Something we take for granted. Something we must have to survive. Something we would never appreciate if it were never cold.
2. It causes me to slow down and be still.
With the shorter days and frigid temps, we’re inside a lot more. We have more time to just hang out and relax. Whether it’s finding something fun to watch on television or settling in with a good book to read, we tend to spend more time relaxing and being still. If it were summer all the time, we would be running ourselves ragged from one activity to the next. When winter first comes on the scene, I find myself whining, but it’s not long before I settle into a slower paced routine. This past week has taught me to appreciate the stillness and to treasure living inside my home.
3. It can be an extended time of inward reflection.
When life slows down and we’re limited to outside activities, it’s only natural to have more time to be still. But what we choose to do with this time is crucial. Instead of being bored or wishing the time away, we can use this season to seek God more intently and purposefully. What does he want to do in me? What does he want to do through me? What areas of my life need some renovation? All of these are questions flowing into the stillness of my thoughts. I can’t easily dash out the door to escape his calling. His gentle calling in the middle of winter captures my attention. So yes, this time of year is perfect to be still at the feet of Jesus. It’s a time for renewal of what is to come.
I encourage you to embrace this winter season. Gain a new perspective. Slow down. Reflect. The warmth of God’s peace will melt away anything bitter cold no matter what the temperature of your soul may be.
~Kathleen Simley; Communications Director, First Lutheran Church
