Another snowy nor’easter is barreling across the Northeast USA. We’ve been hit hard this March. Several huge snowstorms in a few short weeks. Technically, it’s spring, but you’d never know it from looking out your window.
I have three random thoughts to share on this snowy day:
1 – There’s a lot of grumbling out there, but let’s remember – we had one of the warmest February’s on record. How easy the memories of the blessings are wiped out by current harsh situations.
O my God, my soul is in despair within me [the burden more than I can bear]; Therefore I will [fervently] remember You … Ps 42:6 AMP
When we are in the midst of difficult times, it’s more important than ever to open the Word, to dwell upon the character and promises of God, to close our eyes and seek Him in prayer, to remember the “former things,” the blessings so easily forgotten.
Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. Is. 46:9 NIV
2 – How is it that such pure white beauty can be so destructive. When we look at the surface of things – or of people – we can be deceived. Even “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” (2 Cor 11:14 NIV)
So take the time to look deeper, to develop deeper friendships, to look beyond the facade. Don’t think that what you see on social media is necessarily the truth.
“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance …. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Sam 6:7 Paul repeats this truth in 2 Cor. 10:7 – Don’t judge by appearance.
3 – During the last storm, many huge branches broke and entire trees were uprooted causing countless detours as well as loss of power and utilities. A large downed tree trapped my in-laws and their neighbors on their small dead-end street. Since the town was overloaded with other urgent repairs and road work, the neighbors, who seldom saw each other, connected. Together, they got their chain saws and removed the tree. Their work not only allowed them to escape their street, it also joined in fellowship those who lived there. Individually, none of them could have removed the tree, but working together, they accomplished more than the sum of the parts could have.
We are made for community. Paul describes us as members or parts of one body – each made for a unique task. When we cast aside our differences and recognize each other various gifting, we too become more than the sum of our parts. There’s no greater satisfaction than when the Spirit in us unites with the Spirit in others (except of course uniting with Christ Himself.)
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Cor 12:27 NIV
Is it snowy where you are? Have any of these random thoughts connected with you?
