Encouragement for Today
 | May 15, 2026 Seeing God in Just-So-You-Know Snow Days |
“He directs the snow to fall on the earth and tells the rain to pour down.” Job 37:6 (NLT)
Sparkling snow blanketing prickly saguaros was not what I expected that morning in the desert. I had predicted how God would act, only to find He had different plans, offering me a greater glimpse of Him.
The night before, my young daughter had ended her prayers with one last request: “And please let us have a snow day tomorrow.”
My immediate response to her was, “Just so you know, that will probably never happen in Tucson, Arizona.”
Yet that next morning, I woke to a message from her school letting me know snow had made the roads too icy. School was canceled. I glanced outside and saw everything covered with snow.
Though I’d presumptuously prepared my daughter for a “no” answer to her prayer, I now saw the joy on her face when she looked outside. And I was humbled. I was reminded of how God often reaches us with a touch of His creation just when we need it.
Job 37:5-6 proclaims, “God’s voice is glorious in the thunder. We can’t even imagine the greatness of his power. ‘He directs the snow to fall on the earth and tells the rain to pour down’” (NLT).
Through all of creation, a loving, caring God is telling us He is here listening. His reminders are everywhere.
I find myself spiraling into worry about the future, only to look out and see the tiniest, most vulnerable-looking bird hovering around, reminding me God cares for all creatures, including me. Psalm 84:3 states, “Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near your altar” (NLT).
I feel fearful about present circumstances. Then I walk out and see a line of baby quail scurrying after one parent while the other parent remains nearby, scouting for danger. This helps me remember Psalm 91:4: “He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection” (NLT).
When was the last time you gave yourself permission to embrace your child-heart, trusting God to reach out to you through the awe of all He has created? When did you last look up to the sky, allowing yourself to believe a miracle is on its way?
Sometimes the world just seems too heavy. And we are weary. But the designer of intricate DNA and infinite galaxies cares about our struggles and is reaching out to us.
So today I will allow myself to feel wonder at even the tiniest glimpses of His artistry. Because He is waiting to open my eyes to all the miracles falling into my life like snow in the desert on an extraordinary day.
Dear Father, we are in awe that You speak to us through the beauty of Your creation. Thank You for Your daily reminders that You see our struggles and never stop reaching out to us with Your unfathomable love. Please still our hearts and open our eyes to Your loving assurances that You are with us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Gratitude doesn’t always come naturally — especially when life feels heavy or uncertain. But what if it could gently shift the way you see everything you’re walking through? In a recent episode of The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast, longtime friend of the ministry Sharon Jaynes shares how choosing gratitude, even in small ways, can reshape your perspective and help you notice God’s presence in the middle of it all. If you’ve been needing a reset in your heart or a fresh way to approach what you’re facing, this conversation is a beautiful place to start. Take a few minutes to listen today.
ENGAGE
Today’s devotion writer, Judy Thresher, is a COMPEL Pro member and a winner of the annual Encouragement for Today Devotion Writing Challenge. To find out more about COMPEL Pro’s writing challenges and how to become a member today, click here. You can also follow COMPEL Pro on Facebook and Instagram!
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Romans 1:19-20, “They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature …” (NLT).
Acts 14:17, “but he never left them without evidence of himself and his goodness. For instance, he sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts” (NLT).
How does God’s creation teach you about His character? What unexpected beauties and everyday miracles can you thank Him for today? Share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2026 by Judy Thresher. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org