The National Weather Service issued the first ice storm warning of the year for my area, and it is only October. Their notice included the threat of the dreaded freezing rain. Soon, road conditions would quickly deteriorate as the temperatures fell. The twenty-degree drop in temperatures signaled the beginning of the storm. And, we hunkered down with a roaring fire burning to chase away the chill.
Ice Storm
As the ice storm raged, I watched helplessly as the trees sagged under the weight of the building layer of ice. I prayed for the trees’ survival as I noticed each one appeared draped in icy diamond beads. Also, a quiet beauty shrouded the city in sparkling crystals. But, the picturesque scene hid the dangers of the ice-clad world. The incredible beauty of the ice is mixed with significant hazards. But, the slick roads, downed power lines, and broken trees forced everyone to stay inside. Now, only the sunshine’s warmth would unfreeze everything and allow us to assess the damage left behind in the wake of the storm.
He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.
Psalm 147:18 (NIV)
Icy Hearts
The frozen trees made me think about the condition of many people’s hearts in our society today. So, some people reject Christ while some have never heard of Him, causing their hearts to be cased in ice. But, those hearts bend and break under the weight of their sins. Like the beauty of the iced covered trees, a soul without Christ becomes hidden beneath a superficial charm that hides the dangers of their sinful lifestyles. And, only the warmth of God’s word can help melt these cold hearts. But how can the Son shine spread, and warm the lives of others?
The Antifreeze
God uses the light from His followers to spread the warmth of Christ. For example, sharing the word of God will help melt the icy hearts of our family and friends. Or, we can pray for those still lost in the chill of their sins. Finally, we can share our stories with others, allowing God to use them to warm the soul. By letting the Holy Spirit kindle the roaring fire within our spirit, we can draw others to the warmth found in the Good News of Christ.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19 (NIV)
Sin weighs down many people today and causes their hearts to become like ice. God is calling each of us to be a part of the thaw. By spreading His light, we can make a difference in the lives of those around us.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father. As winter storms cause havoc around us, let us look to you for safety. Help us to share the warmth of Your Gospel with others to free them. Let the light of Jesus warm and soften their hearts. Thank you for teaching us through the events of life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Extra
My mom instilled in me a love of trees. I watch and pray for our ice-covered tree to survive. Since this blog is about trees, I thought I would include my latest poem for you to enjoy.
Blessings,
Yvonne M. Morgan, author, blogger, and speaker.
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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I love the analogies of antifreeze, etc. Weather these days… in the midst of everything else that’s going on, can be wacky. Thank goodness we know the One who never changes!
Amen. God remains in charge no matter what happens. Thanks for commenting Lisa and God bless.
God’s love gives us warmth for cold hearts. Help us never to be numb to His warming. Great post, Yvonne!
Yes he does give us warmth as His love spreads from our hearts throughout our bodies. Thanks Nancy. Unfortunately, I don’t think my tree is going to survive this storm. But I will. God bless.
Love the analogy, especially of the antifreeze!
Thanks. In the midst of a real ice storm God can teach you something if you listen. Thanks Ava and God bless.
As a fellow tree lover, the ice storm brought to my mind the same concerns for their survival. The change in weather is always problematic, but a marker of this difficult year moving toward its end. Thanks be to God for his kindness to see it through. As he rescued your groaning trees, he rescues us. Beautiful poem about the aspens.
Thanks Melinda. God is good to keep us safe during this challenging times. As we drive around our city, the amount of broken trees is heartbreaking just like seeing all the broken souls. God bless
Sharing Christ is simple; we tend to make it more complex than it really is. Pray. Preach. Share. This blog is spot on; may Christ melt the icy hearts of our unbelieving loved ones. I love your poem; aspens are one of my favorite parts of living in Colorado.
Aspens are so beautiful and I love the mountains. One day I said that to my husband, take me to where the Aspens grow meaning I want to go to the mountains. And then I thought it would make a good poem. We do make our faith more complex that God intended. Share the gospel so others can join us in heaven. God bless.
I love this, and especially the poem at the end. How beautiful!!
Thanks Jessica. I appreciate your encouragement. God bless.
What a beautiful poem! I love trees, too. My parents shared many loves with me and one of those special loves is trees. 🙂
There is something very special about a tree. Thanks Melissa and God bless.
A perfect analogy for this cold, bitter and heartbreaking time. Oh Lord Jesus, how we need your love to melt our hearts and re-grow within us a gentle compassion for one another. May we remember that You died for each one!
Amen. We do need the love of Christ to spread across the world like the virus did so hearts can be changed. Thanks Melissa and God bless.
I love this, Yvonne! Your poem is beautiful! I especially like the line, “I want to feel close to God in nature’s glow.” Nature always draws me close to God. This line in your poem reminds me of how I feel when I take nature walks.
And that is how I feel too. My heart and spirit find peace and rest in nature. Thanks Marcie, glad you liked it. God bless.
Yvonne, what a beautiful and powerful analogy and poem! Ice is so beautiful on trees, but does carry such hazards. It’s a cold and icy world and the warmth of Christ is the only thing to carry us through.
It is so beautiful and dangerous at the same time like the sins that sit within our hearts. Thanks Karen and God bless.