During my youth, I grew up on a farm. Summer was always busy as we cultivated,
planted, weeded, and harvested from early morning until sundown. We did not have air
conditioning, although I had a small oscillating fan in my west-side bedroom.

Is the heat getting to you? Do you wonder how you’re going to get through August? Are
you giving thanks for your air-conditioning? Genesis 8:22 provides us guidance: “As
long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter,
day and night shall not cease.” This is the way God planned it, the seasons folding into
each other. When the temperature and humidity are extremely high, you might think of
how you feel on a bitterly cold day—you might even miss the heat.

Summer heat, as referenced in the Bible, often symbolizes both the physical and
spiritual conditions experienced by individuals and nations. The intense warmth of the
summer sun is a recurring theme in Scripture, illustrating the challenges and trials faced
by God's people, as well as the provision and protection offered by God.

The Bible frequently mentions the toil and labor associated with the summer season. In
the agricultural context of ancient Israel, summer was a time of harvest and hard work.
Proverbs 10:5 states, "He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps
during harvest is a disgraceful son." This verse highlights the importance of diligence
and preparation during the summer months.

The heat of summer is often used to describe trials and testing. In Isaiah 25:4, the
prophet speaks of God's protection: "For You have been a refuge for the poor, a
stronghold for the needy in distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat."
Here, the heat represents the adversities faced by the faithful, and God is portrayed as
a shelter and relief from these hardships.

The concept of summer heat in the Bible serves as a reminder of the trials believers
may face in their spiritual journey. It calls for diligence, faithfulness, and reliance on
God's provision. The imagery of heat also encourages believers to seek refuge in God,
who provides shade and protection amidst life's challenges. Through the lens of
summer heat, Scripture teaches the importance of perseverance, trust in divine
sovereignty, and the assurance of God's unfailing care.

As the days get longer and warmer, we know that God is always with us, and that
through Him we find refuge and and strength to meet our daily challenges.

Your Friend in Christ,
Larry Moehnke, President