“God thundereth marvellously with his voice;
great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.”
(Job 37:5)
The created world constantly proclaims the greatness of God. Snow gently falling, frost covering the fields, thunder rolling through the heavens, and storms sweeping across the plains all testify to the Creator’s wisdom and power. Indeed, the earth is filled with visible sermons declaring the majesty of its Maker.
Scripture repeatedly reminds us that creation itself declares the glory of its Maker. How much more should we, His own people, take notice of these declarations of His glory that are all around us. Every snowfall, every storm, every season then becomes an invitation to worship.
So we have even more reason to praise our Creator because He designed our world not only for survival but for our instruction as well. In fact, our visible world is full of spiritual realities… so much so that it ceases being ordinary when viewed through Scripture.[1]
Snow, for example, provides a beautiful picture of redeeming grace. Its white brilliance that covers everything displays the cleansing power of the blood of Christ. As Isaiah proclaims: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” The Lord washes us clean and then covers us with the purity of His righteousness.
This imagery reaches its highest point in the glory of Christ Himself. Daniel saw the Ancient of Days clothed in garments white as snow. John beheld the Son of God with hair white like wool and snow. The purity seen faintly in creation shines perfectly in Christ.
This is just one example of how God so often uses ordinary things—snow, frost, thunder, and storms—to teach extraordinary truths. But no matter how thoroughly men study creation, they can never exhaust its testimony concerning the Creator God.
Still, Job 37:5 directs believers to thanksgiving and praise before the God whose works in creation reveal His glory and whose grace in Christ exceeds every visible wonder. Snow, thunder, and storm proclaim His greatness while redemption shines yet brighter, for the Judge clothed in holiness became the Savior of sinners.
Contemplations:
- The Beauty of God’s Instruction Through Creation. I am thankful that God teaches through ordinary things. Snow, storms, frost, and thunder become lessons directing my thoughts toward Christ. I often overlook these gifts because they appear familiar, yet Scripture reminds me they are witnesses continually declaring God’s greatness.
- My Gratitude for Cleansing Grace. The image of snow always draws my thoughts toward forgiveness. Though my sins are great, Christ cleanses them completely. I am thankful that His blood removes guilt more perfectly than snow covers the earth.
- My Wonder at Christ the Judge and Savior. It amazes me that the glorious Judge described by Daniel and John is also the One who died for sinners. The holy One clothed in purity became my Redeemer. This truth fills me with gratitude.
- My Smallness Before God’s Wisdom. Job reminds me that God does great things beyond comprehension. I often act as though everything must fit my understanding, yet creation itself shows just how small my knowledge is. I am thankful that God’s wisdom exceeds mine completely.
Prayer (Thanksgiving):
Most glorious and wise God, I thank You for the marvelous works that surround me continually. The heavens declare Your glory, the earth displays Your wisdom, and creation itself becomes a witness to Your greatness.
Lord, I thank You for the beauty and order You placed within creation. Snow falls at Your command. Frost appears by Your will. The seasons change inside Your providence. Nothing in the world exists independently of Your sustaining hand.
I thank You especially that You use creation to teach spiritual truths. You graciously instruct through ordinary things so that even familiar sights become lessons concerning Christ and redemption. This reveals both Your wisdom and Your kindness.
Lord Jesus, thank You that the whiteness of snow points toward the cleansing power of Your blood. My sins deserved judgment, yet You have washed and purified me through Your sacrifice. What mercy that scarlet guilt may become white as snow.
I thank You also that the glorious Judge is the same Savior who died for sinners. Daniel saw holiness and majesty. John saw splendor and purity. Yet this glorious Lord gave Himself for criminals. Such grace is beyond understanding.
Father, thank You that redemption shines brighter than creation itself. The world reveals Your power, but the cross reveals Your mercy.
Thank You also for humbling my understanding. Your works exceed human wisdom and draw my thoughts upward toward worship. Keep me from pride and teach me continual wonder before Your greatness.
Finally, Lord, let me see creation as Scripture teaches me to see it—as a witness to Your glory and a reminder of Christ’s redeeming grace.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Further Scripture References for Job 37:5:
Job 5:9; 1 Samuel 2:10; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Romans 11:33
[1] John Stanford, The Christian’s Pocket Library, Early American Imprints, 1639-1800; No. 38552 (New York: Printed for the editor, by T.& J. Swords, 1800), 28-31.
