Snowstorms Do Humble Us
Sunday’s Verse:
From Psalm 147:16 ESV
“He gives snow like wool; He scatters frost like ashes”
As you read this, the snow has probably started falling here in New Jersey. With snow comes worry and awe (and lots of shoveling). Roads will grind to a crawl. Plans will be adjusted or canceled. By Monday morning, the world will look different.
In times like these, God promises He is not far off. “He gives snow like wool; He scatters frost like ashes” (Psalm 147:16). To God, snow is not something scary and chaotic. Snow is calculated; falling and swirling at His direction.
Snowstorms humble us. They remind us that we have no control over our circumstances, despite our best laid plans. For Lutherans, this is not doom and gloom; it reminds us of grace. We don’t rest in our own strength or preparedness, but we rest in God’s attentiveness to us – body and soul.
Snow quiets things down. Noise becomes muffled. Traffic quiets. When the world quiets down, as snow does, God often speaks. And He may not give us answers to all our fears – but He will whisper, I am with you. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
Know that we are praying for everyone this storm touches. Dear Lord, keep those traveling safe. Stretch the patience of those who are delayed. Provide for neighbors who need assistance. As the winds came and the sea became quiet, be with us, Lord, in the snowfall and darkened skies.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
God of wind and weather, Lord who calms the seas and storms our lives. Keep watch over our neighborhoods throughout the night and day. Keep us safe, slow us where we need to be stopped, and turn our hearts toward confidence in Your grace. Help us to rest in Your peace, knowing You hold us today and always. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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