As someone who works with the homeless, it strikes a chord this time of the year.
The elements are so brutal in Cleveland, Ohio that one could put their like at stake by being outside too long and not wearing the appropriate covering.
The winds off of Lake Erie can be cruel in January, and sometimes you think you can't withstand the cold for another second.
It is so brutal that people are naturally led to questions. (Other than how to get warm)
They ask things like, "If God is present, then why would he make it so cold that it seems unlivable"?
Well, that is an interesting concept to write about on a Meaning Of Life blog.
Here are some thoughts on why God would make it so cold:
1. Things happen for a reason.
God does not work by chance.
It has all been all thought out before, if you believe in a Higher Power. If it is this cold, then there must be something God is trying to teach you. These posts have stated before that suffering is not just for the sake of suffering.
Are you willing to search for answers and listen?
2. Jesus, who was God as a human, suffered a lot in his earthly life.
It was said above that God does not work by chance. Suffering can teach a person many useful things.
If God suffered as a human on earth, would you expect that you, as a created being, wouldn't?
The Bible speaks of humility, and below zero temperatures can bring some humility; as least at that time.
3. It gets you to think.
Thinking is usually good, until it leads to overthinking.
You think a little more when you are out in below zero temperatures, don't you? First and foremost about getting warm, yes. But also about why things are like that in the first place.
If it leads you to think about God, then that is a good thing. If it gets you to think about the well being of others, then that is a good thing, too. (Such as the elderly, those without a permanent residence, those working outside all day?)
Do you realize that all those services at your home (electricity, phones, trash pick up) are the result of work by someone else? We are all connected.
4. You might take things less for granted.
Does anyone owe it to you to be warm? Or owe you anything else, for that matter?
It is part of God's plan.
You might start to realize that you have to have some sort of shelter to survive. So, how do you get that shelter?
Maybe the cold is "evening you out", so to speak.
It might "adjust" you to go and do the right thing. That might mean motivation to look for work when unemployed, volunteer to help those less fortunate, be nicer to other people or sacrifice to help others (family, etc.).
Don't you think about the animals in the bitter cold a little more, for instance?
5. You realize you are what God gave you to work with.
Some adapt better to certain kinds of weather. Others have disabilities.
But, you might also start to think you are not invincible, and what God does applies to you, also. The human body is remarkable, to say the least, but it is not invincible and will eventually fail.
Along with this, you might realize your need for God.
Alas, this is important.
It might be worth it to listen to his Word. He gave you the bitter cold, but he also have you his wisdom for guidance.
God did not just leave creation hanging after he made it.
That cold is one thing, but thinking about God might also get you to think (somewhere in the back of your head) that you will eventually die. Preparing for this event is wise.
But it is all part of God's bigger plan.
As fallen humans, we need all of these reminders from time to time. In the summer there was a post on this blog called," Why Is It So Woefully Hot?"
God knows you. Without these little reminders you might go about your day and not think that there is something more. More than just your physical surroundings, paying bills, doing chores and having a social life. There is meaning to this life.
Conclusion
None of what was said above, or anything else, means that God is not there when it is cold.
In fact, it is the opposite.
He told you he is with you in his Word.
It might not be what you want. But he also said " The Lord disciplines the one he loves." ( Hebrews 12:6)
Is it too cold for you?