“He sends out His
command to the earth;
His word runs very
swiftly;
He gives snow like
wool;
He scatters the frost
like ashes;
He casts out His hail
like morsels;
Who can stand before
His cold?”
Psalm 147:15-17
(NKJV)
Here in the Midwest and other parts of the country, we have
been greatly impacted this week by the dangerously cold weather. Yet the
Apostle Paul exhorts us to “rejoice in
the Lord always.” (Phil. 4:4 NKJV) Can
we rejoice even in a polar vortex? Yes
indeed!
Sovereignty: As the Psalmist points out, the snow and cold
and frost come from God, so we can have assurance that even in these weather
conditions, God is sovereign, He is in control—and that is a blessing!
Salvation: With some extra free time on my hand this
week, I listened to some of the music from decades ago that I used to
enjoy. That flash from the past brought
some good memories, but it also reminded me that back then, I was lost in the
world and my sin, and I didn’t even realize it.
It brought such gratitude to my heart once again that God saved me and I
praised Him for his amazing grace! And
in checking on one of the musical groups, I discovered that the lead singer is
now a professing Christian—another blessing!
Provision: Yes,
I’ve experience a bit of cabin-fever being inside all week. And yes, it was
disappointing to have Wednesday evening church cancelled. But this enforced
confinement has made me realize how much I depend on God and how gracious He is
to provide so well. I have a warm
apartment, sufficient food so I didn’t need to venture out, and the
much-appreciated ability to work from home.
Most of all, I’ve enjoyed His peace and presence with me. Every good gift is from God (James 1:17) and
I’ve been blessed with so much from His gracious hand!
Goodness: In the midst of this extreme cold, the blare
from the political divisiveness and cultural divide seems to have diminished
just a bit for the time being. It’s been
so encouraging to read about communities and organizations coming together to
help those needing shelter and other necessities, noting the bravery of first
responders, bus drivers and others who needed to be out in the elements, and
knowing that families have gotten some extra time to spend together. These good things have brought a smile to my
heart.
So as this week and the polar vortex comes to an end, I
rejoice in the Lord for He is good, all the time! If we
know we're in the will of God for our lives, if we know Jesus and have His
presence with us, we can be content in whatever circumstances we find
ourselves. I pray that is an encouragement to you today.