When You See a Rainbow

We have not seen much rain in Northeast Alabama in several weeks so we sure haven't seen a rainbow.  But when we do, I don't know anyone who doesn't react to a rainbow in a positive way.  They may not say anything, but deep inside there is a good feeling to see the multi-colored display of nature.

For believers, the rainbow is more than just nature's best.  It is a unique creation of God to cause us to remember His covenant with mankind and creation.  It is found in Genesis 9 when God promised never to destroy the earth again with water and the rainbow was the sign of the covenant.

But what most of us maybe are not aware while we only see a half circle, every rainbow is a complete circle seen more fully the higher from the earth (such as in a plane or from God's perspective) you are.  It is always a complete circle of breathtaking color.

As earth-bound individuals, we see only part of this glorious phenomenal display.  But not only should the rainbow remind us of God's covenant, it should also remind us of our limited view of God's ways.  In this present life, we are only able to grasp a fraction of the wisdom and strategy of God.  Not until we get to Heaven and look back will we be able to understand the full circle and scope of His plans and purposes in our lives.

In Psalm 147:4-5 the Psalmist tells us God counts all the stars (verse 4) and then in verse 5 uses the same Hebrew word for "count" when he says "His understanding is infinite."  What the Psalmist is saying is the same God who can count stars cannot be counted by man in His understanding.  In other words, we can't understand all the ways of God any more than we can count the stars.

And this Psalm is a psalm of praise.  So, we should praise God that we cannot understand all the ways and purposes of God.  Now, stop...read that again.  That's right...praise Him that He is not a God who can be understood for all His ways.

So the next time you see a rainbow, enjoy it.  Thank God for the covenant He has made with us not to destroy us with water.  But also think, I can't see all that rainbow but what I can see is beautiful.  So are the ways of God in my life.  I can't see all God is doing, but what I can see causes me to rejoice that He is in control and will "work all things for my good."

Blessings;

David