Even the Cold is Part of God’s Plan
Tuesday’s Verse:
From Psalm 74:17 ESV
“You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth; you have made summer and winter.”
Snow. Rain. Cold. Those three words perfectly describe our weather forecast for Northern Jersey this Tuesday. As we go about our day, we will feel its chill not only on our bodies but also in our hearts. While we may long for summer’s warmth, the Bible shows us that even winter’s cold is part of God’s plan.
Our Bible verse offers a profound truth about God, using a simple image of the weather. It reminds us that God is in control of everything. He is not only the God of Eden’s garden but also the God of winter’s frozen ground.
The ESV translation our church often uses says God “fixed all the boundaries.” This idea is essential. God is never caught off guard by cold weather, snow, or dark mornings. He set the order of the world and keeps it steady.
This gives us absolute comfort. If God is faithful in keeping the sun, moon, planting, and harvest in order, we can trust Him even more to keep His promises to us through Christ.
In the Lutheran tradition, each season brings its own challenge and calling. Winter invites us to practice a different kind of faithfulness:
Trust: We trust the Lord for His daily provision (clothing, heating, food), just as He feeds the sparrows (Matthew 6:26).
Service: We look for neighbors who might be struggling with the cold, reminding us of our Christian vocation to love and serve those around us.
Rest: Nature slows down in winter. We are also called to rest in what Christ has done for us, knowing that winter is needed, but the promise of the Resurrection, our eternal spring, is sure.
Cold weather is one of the boundaries God has set. It shows us His power, but it also points us to the promise of His presence, which is our genuine warmth and shelter.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, we thank you that you are the God who created both summer and winter. In the midst of the cold, fix our hearts on your faithfulness. Help us to trust in your provision, find rest in your promises, and seek ways to be the warmth of Christ to those around us today. In Jesus’ name, 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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