snowdeer

November 28, 2016

No snow! The grass is still green. The temperatures are moderate for this time of the year. I for one am enjoying the break from winter. I know it has not officially started yet, but this is unusual nice fall weather.

The weather is something we all talk about, especially if you live in a state like Minnesota where it can change so rapidly. Often we are caught in the throes of extreme weather and we like to complain and exaggerate our sufferings as we go through the grocery store line or talk to the bank clerk. It is common ground we all have and very easy for us to engage in conversation about with total strangers.

Our emotions can also be like a changing Minnesota weather front. We can be caught unawares by extreme circumstances which impact our emotional equilibrium. Of course, good circumstances like good weather can make us content and happy, but if we are hit with a negative front we can potentially go for a depressing ride as our feelings fall like a barometer reading of an impending storm.

Now for us who claim to be Christians, the Lord has given us Biblical hatches we can batten down on our little ships so we can weather the storms of life without sinking in a flood of despair. But unless we are willing to prepare spiritually for inclement weather, we will be susceptible to emotional depressions. 

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (James 1:2-4). These verses appear to tell us instead of taking shelter from the storms of life, we are supposed to open up ourselves to them and embrace them as gifts from God which will ultimately benefit us.

“And we know (do we really????) that all things (are you sure about that????) work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28). If we go into emotional thunderstorms, could it be because we lack faith to believe and apply the clear teaching of Scripture?

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance,” (Psalm 42:5). What is the answer to a depressed soul? “Hope thou in God” is the answer. Look at the circumstance and your countenance will fall. Look to the Lord and you will find the help and the peace you’re looking for.

So, then my brother or my sister; how is the weather outside? More importantly how is the weather inside? The storm can be raging and we can still have peace if we choose the Lord in our circumstance.

Whether the weather be cold, or whether the weather be hot, whatever the weather we will weather the weather, whether we like it or not – but only if we acknowledge the Lord is in charge of us.

Enjoying the weather,

Pastor John Schofield