He sends the snow like white wool;
he scatters frost upon the ground like ashes.
He hurls the hail like stones.
Who can stand against his freezing cold? Psalm 147:16-17

There is something about the winter season that I absolutely dread. Perhaps it is the bitter cold that penetrates deep into my bones and causes me to shiver at the thought. Or maybe it is the bare and empty, lifeless tree limbs that tower mysteriously above the horizon that causes my anxiety. Maybe it is the simple dread of venturing out of doors that I dislike so much. Whatever the root of my loathing, I cannot force myself to look forward to long days of heavy clouds overflowing with darkness that will certainly invade my territory. Along with these visible signs, winter has a tendency to usher inner feelings of emptiness and loneliness that serve to coincide with the elements in the air.

As I visit these drab wintry scenes in my mind, I realize too, that we can experience periods of winter even in the summer months. Winter comes into our existence when no matter how beautiful the sun is shining on the outside, there are clouds, rain and even a nasty chill that penetrates deep inside of us as pain and despair take up temporary residence in our lives. These winters can come in shape or form of many surprising circumstances. For example, an unexpected harsh phone call can come our way or we may experience disappointment through unkind treatment by a friend or loved one.

Winter can come to us in even more powerful ways such as through the loss of a parent, child or sibling. We can actually be swept into winter’s bitter cold grip in a moment—a split second such as through an automobile or train accident—leaving someone that we love forever changed from their former state of being. Winter happens to all of us at different intervals. Many of our winters do come with unexpected vengeance and can be best described as a cruel and cold entity.

However, despite these scenes of winter turmoil, the truth is that God allows these winter blasts into our lives for a reason. If you are walking through a wintry season now, just remember that God cares more for your character than your comfort.