boldlyloudcat Blog

Since it appears the worst of our area's first real winter storm over is pretty much over. (Thank you Lord!) I just did some searches on Goggle to find some general concepts in of what a could mean in the bible. I just feel blessed that we're getting our country road plowed at a decent hour.

In the Bible, winter is presented as an intentional part of God's created order, characterized by heavy rains and cold weather in the Mediterranean climate of the ancient Near East. It is used both literally to describe seasonal challenges and metaphorically to represent spiritual seasons of trial or rest.

Literal and Physical Context

Divine Creation: The Bible affirms that God established the seasons. Genesis 8:22 promises the continuity of "summer and winter", and Psalm 74:17 states, "You have made summer and winter".

Weather and Agriculture: Winter in Israel was the rainy season (late autumn through winter), which was vital for future harvests. Severe cold, frost, and snow are described as displays of God's power (Job 37:6, 37:9-10; Psalm 147:16-17).

Practical Hardship: Traveling was hazardous during winter. The Apostle Paul frequently made travel plans to avoid winter storms (1 Corinthians 16:6; Titus 3:12) and urged Timothy to "come before winter" (2 Timothy 4:21). Jesus also warned of the difficulty of fleeing during winter trials (Matthew 24:20; Mark 13:18).

Winter Houses: Wealthy individuals, such as King Jehoiakim, maintained specific "winter houses" equipped with charcoal fires to stay warm (Jeremiah 36:22; Amos 3:15).

Spiritual and Metaphorical Symbolism

Renewal After Trial: The end of winter represents the arrival of a new season of life and hope. Song of Solomon 2:11 says, "For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone".

Spiritual "Sabbath": Winter is often viewed as a time of dormancy and rest for the earth, serving as a metaphor for spiritual "Sabbath" seasons where God works internally in believers' hearts before a new season of fruitfulness.

Purity and Forgiveness: While not a season itself, the snow associated with winter is a powerful biblical symbol of purity and divine cleansing. God promises that though sins are as scarlet, they shall be "as white as snow" (Isaiah 1:18; Psalm 51:7).

Preparation and Wisdom: Proverbs 31:21 highlights the "virtuous woman" who has no fear for her household when it snows because she has prepared them with warm clothing, illustrating the value of foresight.

With concern for my wife working late this evening I wrote this short letter:

Hello my love,

The animals are all tucked in and taken care of. I even managed to get the trash out early to stay ahead of the coming snowstorm. It seems the weather is even scaring off the salesmen, as there wasn't any Saturday mail today. I’ll admit, I chuckled a bit at the thought of them fearing the flakes—maybe I'm a little too proud of that joke.

Right now, I’m settled into my makeshift den, typing out some random musings. I’m currently sipping my "wine" of choice: Hawaiian Punch Grape. If I’m feeling particularly bold later, I might even move on to the "hard stuff"—Crystal Light Grape with Caffeine. Since my only real plans tomorrow involve folding laundry and making dinner, I figure I can afford to stay up a bit tonight.

I’m planning on starting a new story tonight. I have a general notion of where I want to go with it, but like a good tea, I need to let the ideas steep for a while to see how they turn out. I might even add an addendum to this letter depending on what comes to mind.

On a side note, I’ve already managed to spend my money for next month! I picked up a backgammon board and that specific something you said you wanted. You've probably forgotten about it already. It’s supposed to arrive this Tuesday, though with the weather, who knows.

See you soon and see you safe.

While writing this post the wind has started picking up. No snow yet. That's not supposed to hit until around midnight. So my wife should be safe.