07 August, 2016

The Colour of Winter



"The day is thine, the night also is thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sun. Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter." Psalm 74:16-17

June 3, 2016

Cold nights
Blazing fires
Well-worn books
Fresh  bread
Handmade blankets
Laughter
Knitting
Family chats
Thick socks
Sparkling mornings
Flannelette sheets
Long evenings
Hot soup
Dull days

There’s something about winter that brings everything closer.

Back in June (the beginning of winter here) I set myself a challenge of writing a list every day. Just any list – it could be points about a topic, a debrief of the day’s events, or just my thoughts in sort of free-verse poem-style. Anyway, that was one such list of some of my favourite things about winter. Of course, there’s still fresh bread, and family chats in every other season but somehow in winter everything seems more… romantic? Dreamy? Idealistic? Storybook-like? It really does bring everything closer. 

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Also, see that verse above? I found it for searching for ‘winter’ in the Bible. (There are very few verses about winter, by the way.) I thought it was nice and poetic, and reminded me of God’s creation, and all those good things, so I put it in. But then this morning, I read the psalm it's from, Psalm 74.

In Psalm 74, the author is pleading for relief, for God to notice everything that’s going on. He’s reminding God what enemies are doing in His sanctuary and congregation. You can hear him ask, Come on, God! How long are you going to let these people reproach you, and blaspheme Your name? Why don’t you just do something?! 

But then, the psalmist pauses and remembers what God has done in the past. He divided the sea by His strength. He broke the fountains, and dried up mighty rivers. He prepared the day and night, set the borders of earth, and made summer and winter. 

I’ve been reading a few books lately that explain the way human thought has progressed (or rather, regressed), especially as society left the principles set out in the Bible, and while it’s fascinating, it’s also somewhat depressing – the lack of value humans place on themselves because they don’t believe they’re created in God’s image, the lack of value humans place on other humans because of the same reason, the lack of any firm right and wrong, the lack of any purpose in life, all because they don’t know God. And I’ve met people who subscribe to all those ideas, and their lack of hope is overwhelming. It's so easy to be discouraged.

But, God spoke to me through this Psalm. Don’t you think I’m big enough? Look at everything I’ve done, all these displays of My power. God is all powerful – how did I forget? How did I forget, that even though this world is messed up and Satan appears to have a grip on everything, God is still more powerful? He’s more powerful than all our problems, and than all the world’s problems. And, check out this verse from the same psalm:

"For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth." Psalm 74:12

God’s been king since ancient times, working salvation in the midst of the earth – in the middle of messed up humanity with all our problems, He’s there working salvation. And, do you know what the definition of ‘working’ is? Habitually and systematically making - habitually! It’s God’s habit to give salvation and victory to whoever will accept it. I like that. It’s not just something He does at random, or if we beg Him long enough. It’s His habit; it’s what He does

I wasn’t intending to have so much to say, but all of a sudden that verse meant a lot more, and I really wanted to encourage you guys: God’s still on the throne! Keep trusting Him. 


What do you like best about winter (or whichever season you’re in)? Is there a colour you associate with winter? Are you a list-writing person? Any thoughts on the way the world, society, etc  is going? And tell me, what have you been finding in God’s word recently?

32 comments:

  1. "...in the middle of messed up humanity with all our problems, He’s there working salvation."

    This. This was something my soul was aching for this morning. So thank you. <3 Keep speaking His word, Jessica. He's given you a great big gift with words, and you can touch and change this world with that.

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    1. Oh, thank you for your kind words and encouragement. I really appreciate it, and praise God this could speak to you this morning. xx

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  2. Wow...this post is actually something I was thinking about this morning when i was reading the Bible. We live in such a messed up world -- a world that hates God and loves darkness. And to a Christian trying to live original for God, that's not fun. At all. It's hard...but it was never promised to be easy. Jesus didn't have it easy here on earth. This morning i read in John 7 where He said that the world hated Him because He spoke out against the evils of it. HATE. wow. Am I willing to be hated for wanting to stand up for God? owwwwww that thought is tough.
    Like you said, the best part of God is that He doesn't give up. God is still working in our lives, working miracles even when we don't see them, and that thought is comforting. Knowing that God is always with us and helping us is amazing <3

    I agree with you! Everything does seem cozier in winter/autumn, but summer will always be my favorite season. The weather is picture-perfect, and you naturally feel inclined to be outside more which IS GREATTTTTT.

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    1. Yes, that is a tough thought. It's true standing up for God isn't fun, but it's encouraging to think of the reward - His presence with us here on earth, and the promise of a perfect future. It's thought provoking though, like you said! And it's amazing this post lined up with what you've been reading recently. Thank you for sharing that, and blessing me with your comment!

      That's true as well - sunny days are great motivation for getting outside! Honestly, I can't make up my mind about which season I like best. It seems there's something to enjoy in each of them. :)

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  3. I like this a lot. The idea of writing a list everyday makes me think of a book I read called "the clique" when I was younger. In and outs of everyday is what the main charter wrote about. I MISS WINTER. Your photos make me want winter to be here now.

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    1. Thank-you.:) That book sounds interesting, and I'm glad someone else likes winter. :) Thanks for your comment, Vanessa.

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  4. I loved reading this post, Jessica. Thanks for sharing the lovely verses, photos, and your heart. =) I love winter here as well, though it is very far from our hot summer right now. =) Every season has been perfectly designed, hasn't it? <3

    //Hosanna Emily

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    1. Praise God!I'm glad you enjoyed it. :) Yes, each season has something unique and special about it.. And, thank you for reading and commenting. :)

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  5. Mmmmm, this is beautiful.
    So many things for me to ponder!

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    1. Oh, thanks heaps, Elissa. Praise God! :)

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  6. Good, good words you have here. :)

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    1. Wow, what a compliment! Thanks Maggie - and all praise to Him. xx

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  7. I love it how you can take a single verse and write a whole blog post on it :) And that's one thing that I keep coming across while I work my way through psalms, that God is all-powerful and all-mighty and why am I worrying about everything when He's got it under control? Also, loved the list and the pictures!

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    1. That's interesting! I've noticed that theme in a few psalms I've been reading lately too.

      Thanks for your comment and encouragement, Victoria. It means a lot. :)

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  8. These photos are amazing. <3 Keep up the good work! Great post.

    Sophia xx
    lantern-in-her-hand.blogspot.com
    theinkpotgirl.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank-you for reading, and leaving such a kind comment! :)

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  9. Amazing photos Jessica. I always feel very encouraged whwenever I read your posts. God indeed is still working and He works in majestic ways. The world may be full of hate, selfishness and evil but His love is still working in us and through us who still have hope and believe in Him and trust Him that He still knows tomorrow and that our future is safe in His hands. God has been doing wonderful things for me these past couple of weeks and also for my family. He has taught me that He is a prayer answering God and that even though sometimes we might be unfaithful and leave Him, but He never leaves us and He always will be faithful.
    God bless you and have a wonderful day :)

    Joanny
    imachoccakeaholic.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Thanks Joanny! Praise God He's using this to inspire you. :)

      Oh, that's so encouraging to hear what God's been doing for you and your family! And yes, I think I often need to be reminded that God holds us and our future, despite everything else that may be going on..

      Hope you have an excellent day too - thanks a lot for commenting and sharing! :)

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  10. Awhh, I love this so much. You're so amazing with words.

    And not only words, but the photos! o.o Your sweater looks adorable -- just from what I can tell by the sleeve. xD

    // katie grace
    a writer's faith

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    1. You're so generous and kind, Katie! Thank you. :) Yes, that jumper is one of my favourites - it's big and comfortable, and perfect for winter. :)

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  11. Those photos certainly make me think winter. One thing I like about winter is when the whole family sits around our fire in the lounge room and eats pizza, or toasted sandwiches or had ice cream for dessert. (yes we do eat ice cream just as often in winter a summer)

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    1. Oh, that's sounds like a very pleasant way to spend winter evenings! And I totally understand eating ice cream in winter - it's not something to miss just because of the season. :) Thanks for your comment too.

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  12. I love when posts suddenly become longer than you expect. That's how you know that God has something to say to you, and through you. :) Thank you for sharing this! You're right, it can be so difficult to see the hopelessness of the world around us. It's hard to look at friends that don't trust Christ and wonder what they're really living for, how they make it through the days. The verses you shared from Psalm 74 are beautiful and encouraging. I love the phrase "King of old." That's such a wonderful way to refer to God. :) And He has his plan! He loves His people. That is something I want to keep in mind, always. Thank you so much for that important reminder!

    To answer your question, yes, I am most definitely a maker of lists. Lists help me organize all my thoughts, and they are so much fun to make :) I love that you challenged yourself to make a list a day, I think I want to start doing that as well! Also, I can't wait for winter; the cold weather can't get here soon enough, as far as I'm concerned, haha.

    Lately I've been needing to trust God more. To see that He wants to take me on adventures, washes away my guilt, and can handle everything in my life, no matter what.

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    1. Erin, thanks for your comment! Long thoughtful comments are my favourite to read. :)

      Yes, I liked that phrase too! There are so many different aspects to our God. :) I'm glad someone else is a fan of lists - they really are great. And yes, do try making a list every day! I found it enjoyable, and thought provoking at times too.

      Mmm, yes I need to trust God more too. There's so much to learn on this journey of life!

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  13. This is so so gorgeous! Winter is such a beautiful seasonal and I absolutely cannot wait for it to come. xx

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    1. Thank-you! It is - I hope it arrives soon for you. :) Thanks for reading and commenting!

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  14. ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS PHOTOGRAPHY! Lovely Post!
    -Lauryn
    www.ElegantChances.com

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    1. Why, thank you! I appreciate your comment, and thanks for reading. :)

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  15. Beautiful photography! To be honest, winter is my least favorite season. The cold saps the joy right from my bones. However, the only reason winter is barely tolerable is because the snow reminds me of Isaiah 1:18 which states that the Lord will make us white as snow.
    Also, what country do live in where winter starts in June?! :O

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    1. Praise God. :) Ah yes, the cold has a way of doing that, doesn't it?! That's a wonderful promise though - I'll have to remember it next time I'm feeling chilly. :)

      I live in Australia, so our seasons are opposite to yours (presuming you live in the US). It's just starting to look like spring now. :)

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