Bitter Cold

The temperatures have been bitter since Monday.  This was a shock to the system because the day before it was in the 70's.  We have had the privilege of an amazing and beautiful fall season, hence the absence of posts because I've been outside enjoying it.  Now it seems to be time for winter, or at least that's what the temperatures and the light dusting's of snow would tell us.  I'm not a trained weather person, but I do keep up with the weather forecast since I'm on the road a lot as is my husband.  So today as I was looking at the forecast on weatherchannel.com I was surprised to see that we are going to remain in this bitter cold spell for quite some time with below average temperatures.  That means if my body is going to function well I will be digging out the warmer/heavier clothes, putting lots of soups, chili, ham & beans in the Crockpot, and drinking hot tea and cocoa to warm up the body after coming in from the cold. 


As I reflect on how cold it has been and how it impacts our physical bodies, I can't help but wonder if our spirit's ever go through a cold snap?  Okay, so not a time of being really cold, although sometimes our attitudes and actions can seem cold to others - but I was thinking more along the lines of a time when our spirits just don't function well.  We seem out of touch with God, like our prayers aren't being heard and everything we do just seems to be out of sync and we feel like life is a constant struggle.  I would like to suggest that just as we do something to warm up our physical bodies, that we need to do something to keep our spiritual bodies warmed up as well.  Even if you feel like your prayers aren't being answered, keep praying.  Spend time in God's word, seek the counsel of a person of faith who is feeling more in tune and grounded than you at this particular moment so they can encourage you. 


Finally, trust!  Yes, trust that this temporary cold snap won't last forever because God loves you, cares about you, and holds you in the palm of his hand always.  He even says in his word that he will never leave us or forsake us.  Really He does....check out Deuteronomy 31:6 for the promise contained there.     


May you stay warm in the midst of this bitter cold snap, both physically and spiritually.