I’m sitting inside and watching the perfect snowfall out our Virginia window. It came at a most inappropriate time, when our plans had to cancel, and schedules had to be re-scheduled. But, still, it is a perfect snow, with big flakes, thick, steady, and heavy. And despite the inconvenience, I’m moved by its purity and wonder.
In life’s stillness and disruption some of the best times come to simply admire God. And, as I watch out my window, at nature’s painting, how can I help but recognize the Sovereignty of a God Who still brings wonder and awe through something we can’t control? How, as the world around me stops, can I not recognize Him in this white blanket formed by tiny, unique, fragile, and insignificant snowflakes?
“Have you entered the storehouses of the snow, or have you seen the storehouses of the hail?” God asked Job. (Job 38:22 ESV)
In the darkest days of my life I tried to stay far from the book of Job in the Bible. It spoke of suffering, grief, and had in it the smell of death and loss. Yet, I found, when I eventually broke down to labor through its pages, the tears contained luminous light and springs of joy. I would not have experienced that had I not sat to weep with Job.
For, walking through the valley of the shadow of death isn’t a trek anyone chooses. No one is eager to sign up for it, nor cheers, “oh I wanna go there! Take me! Let me walk on that painful path.”
Its road is lined with all sorts of advise, medications, helps, and counsel to take the edge off. But, now I wonder if shortcuts that serve to dull the pain simply shortchange the precious gifts only found on that long arduous valley? Are there lighter detours that can possibly lead to pastures as green?
When the valley is deep, we need most to sit in the stillness of knowing the magnitude of God. Because even the least feeble human glimpse of a magnificent God reveals pure glory.
“Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: ‘Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? … Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?’” (taken from Job 38:1-4 ESV)
God revealed that glimpse of glory through a series of rapid questions, layered one upon another.
The questions, were asked of a broken man, suffering from painful sores, wrapped in a cloak of bereavement and sorrow. Yet, God’s interrogations served to shatter Job’s misery and need, because they moved his eyes upward. Past the physical tangible realities a broader horizon showed, more real than what he saw or felt. It opened a breathtaking picture although small and incomplete, but of a God so great, it changed Job forever.
“Who shut the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb and said, Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stayed?” (taken from Job 38:8-11 ESV)
“Have you commanded the morning since your days began and caused the dawn to know its place?” (Job 38:12 ESV)
“Have the gates of death been revealed to you, or have you seen the gates of deep darkness?” (Job 38:17 ESV)
I look out the window, onto a snowy wonderland. A pure white blanket wraps the world, and I think of Job. He had no idea then, that centuries later, his grief and pain would be so important and relevant in my life today.
I know this snowy day is a time to reconsider again, that God knows what He is doing in my story too. He shows me by what I can’t control Who is actually in control.
“…Have you entered the storehouses of the snow, or have you seen the storehouses of the hail…”
God is intentional in His goodness. He is over all. He does perfection.
By the time I post this, the snow will likely be gone, and in its place, that tinge of promised new spring growth will peek out. But I hope to remember how God stilled my soul for a perfect snow day when I had so much to do and important places to go.
I want to remember the beauty of a God who holds the frailest of snowflakes and shapes every one. May I recall how He scatters them, sparkling and pure on Virginia soil, to paint a picture of His purity in each and every circumstance He allows.
Linda Reimer
Beautifully written. Praise our Creator!!!
Sylvia Schroeder
Thanks Linda!
Don Pahl
Thanks for the post, Sylvia.
The messages from American churches these days (guilty!) seem so often about how do I get out of this, why do we experience so much pain, how come my path is so rough?
Obviously, we don’t want to stay in the murky shadows, but wouldn’t a good dose of the character and works and purposes of God bring us to a higher experience with God ABOVE the circumstances?
You’ve reminded us again, Sylvia, that reflecting on the glory of God is a cure for so many of our (perceived) maladies!
Sylvia Schroeder
Thanks Don. I so agree. Elevating God to His rightful place is powerful. Always appreciate your comments! Thank you!
Stacy
Sylvia,
Thank you for sharing this beautiful, moving post…over the last 10 months or so, I have walked in an often dark, challenging valley and God brought me back to Job last summer, unwillingly, but oh what a gift! Those verses that stood out to you, jumped off the pages to me as well and I saw our magnificent God in a way I never had before…understood Job’s story with a clarity as never before. It is so encouraging to read of your similar experience in Job and feel the amazing love of God as He links us in shared experience with Him in His Word.
Such a blessing and gift! 🙌💕
Sylvia Schroeder
I am so grateful God brought you to the book of Job. I’m sorry for the valley you are walking. Truly, God’s Word, even the bits that are maybe less enjoyable, provide such precious testimony of Who He is. Thank you for sharing. It encouraged me today.
Gina Castell
It’s scary to imagine a challenge like Job’s. I got a slightly off medical report and I started to tear up. Needless to say I’m not in Job’s range of character. But what I like is the next day God reminded me that our bodies, although fragile, will one day be glorified, and that this is a temporary home for us. He is so faithful to meet me in my fragile state. Thanks for your encouragement. ❤️ G
Sylvia Schroeder
I know what you mean, Gina! Job’s example of suffering… unimaginable! I appreciate your reminder that one day, these fragile bodies will be glorified. We will truly be home. I’m grateful you shared this encouragement!
Katherine M Pasour
Thanks for sharing the lovely snow picture. We’ve only had a little this year. Your reflections shared here are intensely moving. Like you, I wasn’t into Job. Each time I’d read of his righteousness and misery, I was reminded that bad things happen to good people. But your message today, and Job’s, share something important that we often overlook when we ask the “Why?” question. Those trials will come, be He never departs from our life–He is with us through the valleys–always. Thank you, Sylvia.
Sylvia Schroeder
Thank you Katherine. I know you speak from experiencing His presence and I am blessed by hearing your encouragement.
Linda Brucato
We, also, enjoyed the beauty of the snow here in NC. Our Father is the ultimate artist! I long to see Him in all His glory.
Sylvia Schroeder
You had snow?! I didn’t know you got snow there. Yes, the Father’s artistry is just amazing, and yet only a teeny-tiny glimpse of his glory. Great to hear from you!
Gwynn Conrad
Beautifully written, thought provoking God glorifying Thank you Sylvia
Sylvia Schroeder
Thank you Gwynn! So wonderful to hear from you! I’m glad you found the post thought provoking. And may God be glorified for that!!