Doesn't It Take Your Breath Away?

We've gotten a lot of snow here since Friday night.  It just sort of came in bits.  Some Friday, some Saturday, some Sunday, and even more on Monday.

Having been in a car accident involving icy roads several years ago, there's always that feeling of trepidation when I know I have to go out and brave snowy and icy roads.  Not to mention that 180 turnaround I took on the ice about a month ago.  It's so nerve-wracking.

At church on Sunday the topic of snow came up and it was suggested by someone that it is blasphemous to complain about the weather.  I'm not certain if that falls under the definition of blasphemy, but the person does have a point in that God creates the weather.  To complain about it is to complain against God.

That's been on my mind today as I watched big, fluffy snowflakes fall from the sky.  It was really quite lovely to look at.  I guess the only thing that's difficult about the snow is being able to drive safely in it.  Why can't I appreciate it more?

I knew there was a particular reference to snow in the Bible that would speak directly to God's design in the weather, and I looked it up this morning.  We find it in Job 37:6-13...

For He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth'; Likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength. He seals the hand of every man, That all men may know His work. The beasts go into dens, And remain in their lairs.  From the chamber of the south comes the whirlwind, And cold from the scattering winds of the north. By the breath of God ice is given, And the broad waters are frozen.  Also with moisture He saturates the thick clouds; He scatters His bright clouds.  And they swirl about, being turned by His guidance, That they may do whatever He commands them On the face of the whole earth. He causes it to come, Whether for correction, Or for His land, Or for mercy.

I don't know about you, but those verses stop my mouth.  Almost takes my breath away to think of it.  Can you picture God breathing out and forming ice?  Can you imagine the whirlwind coming from the south by His guiding hand?  He speaks to the snow, and it falls.  Such beautiful words, a description of the origin of weather elements.  It's amazing.

I think I want to spend more time taking in the beauty of nature and stand in awe of my powerful God who created such things, rather than complaining.

*Photo courtesy of Microsoft Office clip art.