We’ve had lots of snow this winter where we live in the “northern plains”! It’s been fun for the kids to play in, but after a couple of months, I’m ready for spring! 

I like to think about what snow is like as I watch it fall. If you’re not familiar, snow falling in my part of the country starts out light but then gets heavy and constant, often drifting down for hours at a time. It settles softly, covering everything in a white blanket. 

At times, there is so much snow, you can’t see any part of the ground unless you dig down a foot or two! And did you know that it is actually quieter while it is snowing? This happens because snowflakes absorb sound. 

The snow makes me think of God’s purposes. These verses in Isaiah about rain and snow talk about how purposeful God is in doing what He says He will do. 

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11 (NIV)

I love when the Scripture writers give us visual reminders of God and His purposes. It’s amazing to see creation in action and the cyclical functions of the rain and snow as they fall and then evaporate or melt (what a long process that is in our fair state!) and fall again, covering and nourishing the earth. 

God’s Word also brings nourishment to us and sustains us during all times and seasons. It is rich and life-giving and sometimes pours down like spring rain and other times drifts softly down, much like a gentle snowfall, quieting our hearts.

This life-giving, purposeful Word changes the hearts of those who at first seem hardened and distrustful of God. It is more powerful than even the most convincing argument from a human being. It has performed miracles throughout time and brought kings to their knees. 

God’s Word can help us understand God’s purpose, even if we don’t understand what He is doing in the moment or the process seems slow.

Let’s look at five more verses that show what the Bible says about the purpose of God’s Word and how it works in our hearts and the hearts of our children!

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you. 1 Peter 1:23-25 (NIV)

God’s Word has been spoken for the purpose of salvation! Born again means to be saved: restored to a right relationship with God through Jesus’ death and resurrection on our behalf! Teach this important purpose of God’s Word to your children!

Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11 (NIV)

Another purpose of God’s Word is that it’s given to us to be studied! Just like the Bereans in the Bible, we can eagerly and joyfully read the Bible daily, for our comfort and encouragement, as well as to see if what people are saying is lining up with God’s truth on the matter. Read God’s Word with your kids daily! If you aren’t sure where to start, you can find kids’ Bible reading plans over at my blog or use the One-Year Bible Reading Plan for Kids from the Laugh and Learn Bible.

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17 (NIV)

God’s Word protects us! That is another purpose that can definitely be a comfort for our kids (and for us as parents!). We are provided with spiritual protection through the precious words of the Bible, helping our children resist temptation and stand firm in their faith. 

He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11:28 (NIV)

Yet another purpose of God’s Word is to show us how to obey the Lord. The Bible gives our children guidance, so they can understand right and wrong, display the fruits of the spirit, and receive grace when they struggle to listen and obey. This is of course for our benefit as adults as well! We don’t just go to Sunday School to learn Bible stories and then go our own way when we grow up. Scripture is for guidance so we can continually learn to listen and obey God alongside our children.

Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. Psalm 119:49-50 (NIV)

The last purpose we are going to talk about is how God’s Word brings comfort. Oftentimes, when really difficult things happen, it can be hard to explain them to our children. Life is complicated! But framing hard times in the context of Scripture can help calm and comfort our kids. And when we read words about God’s love, mercy and compassion to our kids, they will remember it as they grow. The Holy Spirit puts His Word in our hearts to be called to mind when we need comfort the next time.

God will not fail to do as He has promised to do through His Word! We can be truly thankful for the hope we have in God’s Word and its eternal, unfailing purposes.