The weatherman’s predictions for a winter storm arrived as promised, delivering a healthy accumulation of snow. Before that, the season had only graced us with rapidly melting flakes and a scant light dusting of powder. Perhaps Mother Nature had grown weary of being poked fun at for her lackluster display of wintery splendor or was merely saving her best for last. Whatever the reason, it arrived that day blanketing our neighborhood with a soft hush that silenced the clamor. A glistening brilliant white coverlet stretched as far as the eye could see.
Snow has a way of bringing out the child within, beckoning us to come out and play. Reminiscing about my childhood, snow days were counted as some of my favorites. My brother and I raced to get bundled up quickly, braving the cold, enthusiastic to chuck freshly made snowballs at each other. Or we’d simply relish falling backward into a pile of snow, imprinting heavenly angels. Rounding out our day of fun was building an impressive snowman together.
As the years passed, occasionally our age difference caused a natural chasm of joint activities. One particular evening as twilight was settling, I constructed Frosty alone. Street lights cast a glow and gentle flakes fell on my creation, but I was growing increasingly eager to remove my damp clothes and wrap my hands around a warm mug of cocoa. Crossing my cold fingers, I hoped we had whip creme or marshmallows to garnish my steaming drink.
Toasty and settled in, it was time to peer out the second-story window to admire my work below. Gazing downward expecting to be greeted by a beaming face, carrot nose and smile made of small stones, instead, to my dismay, someone had destroyed Frosty, leaving him in a heap. Anger and hurt welled up as I lamented my woes to my folks. Dad wasted no time to rise to this newly appointed challenge. Legendary in the neighborhood for chasing after anyone who messed with his property, no doubt he found this to be another golden opportunity to catch the culprits and bring them to swift justice. Fashioning a snowman for his trap, he carefully slipped into our darkened garage which became his makeshift stake out. Willing to wait patiently, the orange glow of his lit cigarette was the only clue to his whereabouts.
Not long after, two boys appeared, kicking this decoy snowman to its demise. They suddenly became aware of my dad’s trap, his notorious reputation, and stellar gazelle moves, and ran away pell-mell! Before Mom and I knew it, my dad had not only caught the mischievous boys, but marched them back to the scene of the crime, instructing them to rebuild my demolished snowman…not to their liking or specifications no less, but to mine. Sharp contrasting scenes played out through the same window; one moment destruction, the next, restoration. Victim, to victorious! Redemption rolled out under my dad’s watchful eye, and my soul warmed to the depths where the bitter chill of injustice once lay. God’s Word tells us in Psalm 68:14 LB, “God scattered their enemies like snowflakes melting in the forests of Zalmon.”
What a comfort to know God’s got our back; He is mindful of every hurt and loss we have or will ever encounter. He watches over us like a protective Papa Daddy, comforting us with this promise:
“Anyone who strikes you strikes what is most precious to me.” So the Lord Almighty sent me with this message for the nations that had plundered his people. —Zechariah 2:8 GNT
Even though I don’t know what is going on in your life, I’m confident of this: God is a God of justice and He sends the neighbor bullies running. Your rejection, false accusation, harsh sting of injustice, or loss will be warmed with the promise of His love and faithfulness to you now and forever. Whether you see justice here or in eternity, God will work out all things for the good. All things plundered are tethered to His promise.
So, baby, it might be cold outside and even inside your soul too, but no matter the situation, allow God’s sympathetic embrace to melt away any bitterly cold concerns and bring sunshine to your inmost being. His 100% emotional weather forecast is always accurate!
“When God is about to bless you, He first reveals your enemies.” —Author Unknown
Prayer:
Lord, cold winds of adversity and loss are always met with Your warm love and comfort. You chase the neighborhoods that taunt Your children to bring redemption to the weak and brokenhearted. We thank You for Your justice and strong arm of protection against our enemies.
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