While I am certain not everyone can fully relate to an article with such a title, most parts of America, especially by this time of the year, can relate. Snow means many different things to different people. To the young, snowfall often means a day off from school, as well as jubilant days filled with the building of snowmen and launching “snow balls” at an unsuspecting sibling, or even worse, their parents! To the elderly, snow often is associated with treacherous roadways, slippery sidewalks and unseemly bitter temperatures. Interestingly, in 1946, a winter storm was estimated to be worth some $15 per acre due to the value it brought to the land and the summertime crops. While it is true that many look at snow as a burden, nevertheless, contained therein are divine blessings.
The patriarch Job was a pious man (Job 1:8). Job was also a patient man (James 5:11). Given the dark valley that Job faced, he began to question God (Job 13:22). As the great book continues, a series of speeches between Job and his three friends ensue. Near the end of the Book of Job, God, who had largely remained silent throughout, began to somewhat chide Job and remind him that Job’s perspective was limited. In the midst of this “reminder,” God profoundly asked, “Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow?” (Job 38:22a). “Treasures in the snow”? Really? What treasures could possibly be contained in these frozen white crystals?
Firstly, snow teaches us the powerlessness of humanity. Physically, when a winter storm hits, man, even with all of the technology at his disposal, is virtually powerless against the snow. He shovels, plows and salts, and yet still the snow closes roadways, cancels school and even is guilty of “turning off the electricity.” Man against God’s power is nothing! Spiritually, the same is true as well. Alone, man is powerless spiritually! Jonah learned that valuable lesson while swimming in whale saliva (Jonah 2:9). Paul reverberated this powerful truth on many occasions (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14). God is much higher than His creation (Isaiah 55:1-9), and the snow that comes from heaven certainly reminds us of our powerlessness!
Secondly, snow teaches us about the priorities of life! Often, when a winter storm has been forecasted, grocery shelves become bare. Bread, milk and other staples rapidly disappear. Roads are often closed and companies and schools close because many are reminded of what is really important in life during such times. Spiritually, the same is true as well. Spiritually speaking, the salvation of one’s soul is priority #1 (Matthew 16:26). The woman at Jacob’s well understood this for it is written that she “left her water pot” (John 4:28). Simon and Andrew understood priorities for the former tax collector recorded that these brothers “left their nets” (Matthew 4:20) to follow Jesus. When life is “boiled down,” the only thing worth much of anything is our relationship with God! Snow reminds me of what is really important!
Thirdly, snow teaches us about the providence of God! Providence is simply defined as God “providing.” Physically, snow is a beneficial blessing given by God. Snow brings the water table up to where it should be. Snow contains large amounts of nitrogen, which is vital to crops and other plants that sustain humanity. Certainly, spiritually God provides for His own! An interesting passage that “jumped” off the page recently teaches about God’s providence. In the context of giving, Paul declared, “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come” (1 Corinthians 16:2). From where does prosperity come? “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17). Snow reminds me that God will take care of me!
While I am fully aware of many people’s disdain for snow, there are still powerful lessons contained therein. Past the shoveling, plowing and just enduring the white “stuff,” there are obviously many treasures for us to behold. Say friend, have you considered the “Treasures in the Snow”?
