Baby It’s Cold Outside

By Cindy Martin –

“Baby, it’s cold outside” – the words to the oft sung Christmas tune are an apt description of much of North America this winter. Record setting low temperatures and unprecedented snowfalls combined with freezing rain and frigid wind chills have produced intense memories that are not likely to be soon forgotten. More so than any other year, my family and I have repeatedly thanked God for a warm home, cozy blankets and a faithful snow plow operator that keeps the drifting snow at bay along our driveway.

More than once, I have sat in the humid cocoon of steamy water my soaker tub offers and listened to the wind howl as snow blew in sheets up against the window. As the wind’s force became increasingly fierce, I would find myself reclining deeper into the nurturing comfort provided by the steaming bubbles of balmy bliss. Only inches away from me – just on the other side of the wall – winter’s fury was wreaking havoc on the landscape, but encased in the warm embrace of the water, I felt safe and secure. And surprisingly, somehow my soul felt nourished by the care my body was receiving. While I wasn’t oblivious to my vulnerabilities, they seemed to melt away in the sultry heat of the room.

Albeit flawed, I wonder if that’s the North American version of what the psalmist had in mind when he wrote “He will shelter you with His wings” (Psalm 91:4 NLT).

Disappointment, disillusionment and distraction are wreaking havoc on our souls. God’s truth has been abandoned for “whatever works for you”. People don’t keep their promises, relationships fall apart, physical bodies fall apart, people we love die, people we love hurt us deeply while they’re still living. Political and economic upheaval is no longer breaking news – it’s a common occurrence, affecting the full gamut of society from powerless to powerful. In the midst of the storm… in the midst of your storm, hear the words of the psalmist:

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty…
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety… He will shelter you with His wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid… Do not dread… The LORD says… ‘I will protect those who trust in My name. When they call on Me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble’”(Psalm 91:1-15 NLT).

Soak in these truths… let them cascade over your spirit and nourish your soul.

Prayer: “Lord Jesus; thank You for the truth of Your Word. May it penetrate the storms of our lives and anchor our souls.”