Begin this winter month with God. The snow and cold winds remind you that He keeps His covenant with day and night. Trust that He'll also keep His glorious covenant made with you through Christ. If He's faithful in the changing seasons of this sin-polluted world, He won't be unfaithful in His dealings through His beloved Son. A winter in your soul isn't comfortable. If you're in such a season now, it may be painful. But take comfort: the Lord is in control.

He sends adversity to challenge our expectations. He covers the joyful meadows of our life with frost and freezes our streams of delight. But He is the great Winter King, ruling over frost, so we can't complain. Our losses, struggles, sickness, and poverty come from God with a wise purpose.

Winter frosts eliminate harmful pests and curb diseases. They break up the soil and prepare it. May our winters of affliction bring forth good results. How we cherish a warm fire! In the same way, let's cherish our Lord, who is our constant source of warmth and comfort in trouble. Draw close to Him and find joy and peace in your faith. Wrap yourself in His promises and work hard, even when it's cold, because refusing to sow in winter leads to begging in summer.