Benefits of Winter - Psalm 74:17 - Master's Hand Collection

Why did God create Winter?

In this Psalm 74:17 devotional, we’ll answer this question and discover the Benefits of Winter, our God-given time of rest.

The dark days of winter are here. The beauty of the fall leaves is over, and the barren trees are all that is left behind.

I’ve been watching the coverage of the snowstorms on the news and my heart goes out to everyone who is struggling through yet another winter storm.

Although we haven’t had the extreme weather here in Arkansas others are experiencing, I know how difficult it can be.

Some of the hard ice storms we’ve endured in the past are still fresh in my memory.

A few years ago, my mom was fighting cancer and we had to get her to St. Louis for an important treatment.

But the problem was we were in the middle of one of the worst ice storms in recent history. My dad, brother, and I spent most of the day shoveling snow, putting towels and kitty litter under the tires trying desperately to get the car uncovered and unstuck so we could leave before the next wave of snow came down. It was exhausting!

During these times it’s easy to forget the reason why God made winter.

When we’re shoveling snow, driving to work on sheets of ice, or battling a cold or the flu, the benefits of winter can get lost in the struggle just to get through it.

But God did create this season and He had a reason for it.

What is the biblical meaning of Winter?

Let’s read this Bible verse from Psalm 74 and find the biblical meaning of this glorious winter season!

You have set all the borders of the earth;

You have made summer and winter.

Psalm 74:17 NKJV

In the beginning, God established the borders and limits of nature for our benefit. He made a beautiful creation for us to live on when He created the earth.

And it is not a coincidence that He created the four seasons. Because each season has a purpose in maintaining our environment. And winter is an important part of God’s plan to preserve the earth for our use.

This verse from Psalm 74, describes this plan perfectly and shows us God’s sovereignty over all of creation.

Benefits of Winter for Nature

Even though we may not see it while we’re shoving snow from the sidewalk or scraping ice off of our windshield, God’s blessings pour down on us during this critical time in nature.

And each of the things listed in this Bible verse from Isaiah 55, bless us in ways we can only see once winter has ended.

For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,

And do not return there,

But water the earth,

And make it bring forth and bud,

That it may give seed to the sower

And bread to the eater.

Isaiah 55:10 NKJV

Just as our bodies need rest, so does the earth.

God, in His infinite wisdom, has given us and all of nature this time to rest and prepare for the coming spring.

The falling snow replenishes our water supply and keeps the trees alive during this dormant time. The frost protects the soil and keeps the seeds preserved for springtime planting.

Some of the animals are hibernating, while others have migrated to warmer climates. Giving them a time to rest and recuperate from the long summer months.

In truth, I’m hibernating a little bit this year too. I’m recovering from an injury and falling on the slippery ice is not my idea of a good time. So, I’ll use this cold snap to rest my body and refresh my spirit as I look forward to the coming spring.

Spiritual Benefits of Cold Weather

This scripture from Isaiah 55 also has a bigger meaning we should address. Following these words about the Winter season the prophet wrote this…

It is the same with my word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,
and it will prosper everywhere I send it.

Isaiah 55:11 NLT

Just as the barren trees will once again produce fruit, the Word of God will prosper and never return void.

As we look at the benefits of winter, this is an important lesson for us.

Because the spiritual benefits of cold weather far outweigh anything going on in nature.

Building upon our faith by reading the Bible and praying should always be our priority. And winter, our God-given time of rest, is the perfect time to reconnect with God’s Word and store it in our hearts!

So, I plan to spend a great deal of my time this Winter reading the Bible and preparing my heart for the spiritual springtime ahead. My hope and prayer are that you will do the same.

May you be blessed by the truth of God’s Word and see the Benefits of Winter in your life today!