White like Snow

As I drove to church one morning recently, I was delighted to see snow covering the ground.  Now I realize this is not news, for there has been snow here since early November!  But it was fresh snow, drifting down in billowy veils.  There was new snow for a new day!  Lamentations 3:22-23  It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. It seemed to bring a peace and serenity over the city, and as I watched it fall I was reminded that God’s mercy and grace are both a little like snow.

Snow reminds me of God’s mercy because it covers all that is beneath it.  Where dirt was visible only a while ago, now glistening whiteness covers the land.  And not only the natural soil is covered, but the grime of man’s activities are also covered!  It even cleans the air through which it falls!   This of course reminds me of Christ’s sacrifice, and how it covers my sins. Isaiah 1:18  Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. A single snowfall contains billions of snowflakes, yet each is distinct from each other.  God’s mercies are also numerous, and we tend to forget the wonder of each single mercy when surrounded by so many. Be thankful for the many small mercies we receive each day!

Snow also reminds me of God’s grace (provision or supply).  Here in Alberta, we need the snow.  Snow contains much of the moisture needed for growth in the spring.  Little snow usually means poor growth. In addition, snow insulates the land from the freezing temperature. This allows the small animals that burrow to survive, as well as many plants whose roots would otherwise freeze.  God’s abundant grace allows us to grow, and we often find that the “trials” we go through are sources of great growth later. By the way, snow generally only accumulates on things that are standing still.  Psalms 46:10  Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Have you been still and quiet before God today?

As we enter each new day, remember that God has given you the grace you need to flourish.  He knows what you need and allows certain trials to come that you may grow.  Enjoy the trials!  There is a beauty in everything God does. And the next time you see the snow and are tempted to grumble, thank God instead for His mercies, and ask Him to keep piling them on!

Pastor Charles Hollingsworth