Some seasons are heavy and unsettling. We’re going through the storms of life and what we believe about God is no longer theoretical. Yet in his grace he gives us signs such as the rainbow to remind us of his provision, protection, peace, and presence. And rainbows don’t appear in clear skies. They’re best seen as the light breaks through a storm.
The rainbow was given after the flood as a reminder of God’s covenantal relationship with Noah, and all the generations to come. It’s a sign showing God’s commitment and mercy toward us. But such commitment does not eliminate the storms we still face, only that God’s light of grace will break through.
It’s easy to assume God must be punishing us or trying to teach us a lesson when the pressures of life mount. Or perhaps that he has abandoned us to figure things out on our own, or maybe that we were wanting too much and should just be content with what we already have. Whatever the case, storms reveal what we really believe about God and his relationship with us.
God continues to send his rainbows as a reminder that he is with us still. And, like the rainbow, his presence is often best seen through the storm.
To be sure, life with God is not storm free. And dark skies can cloud our vision. But when God’s light breaks through we get the rainbow. This is not merely a beautiful or sentimental scene, but an opportunity to train the eyes of our soul to recognize God’s grace and mercy throughout our lives. The storms may continue, but God is present, and remains sovereign over all.
Do you have the eyes to see and the heart to remember when the light breaks through?
