It's interesting to think that before the flood, the rainbow didn't exist. It wasn't something God created during those first six days and called 'good'. It's something extra special: a reminder to both God and man of God's covenant promise to all living things of the earth. There is nothing else like the rainbow; no phenomenon in creation quite like it. It is unique and special. God calls it "His bow" and is a sign of His love and care for us. Every time we see a rainbow, we should think of God's compassion and mercy. Through it, He shows His continued favor for us and reminds us that He is faithful. As I said on Day 2, God keeps His promises and we should have faith in the truth of His words.
Reading this passage reminded me of something I had written in my journal during my trip to Northern Ireland this past summer. Here is the entry:
"I went walking on the beach tonight. I felt totally broken and alone. My heart is in pieces, I've lost good friends I thought I knew and I feel like I'm not where I'm supposed to be. I walked alone simply praying and talking to the only Friend I always have. As I was walking back along the beach towards the church, the sun came out while a fine mist still fell. I pushed my hood back and walked with my eyes closed and face lifted up towards the light. The warmth eased across my face and soothed the pain inside. For some reason, I stopped, opened my eyes and looked behind me. The sight that greeted my eyes brought joy to my heart and laughter to my lips. There before me was the brightest, clearest double rainbow I have ever seen. One end stretched out to the middle of the ocean while the other came to rest on the beach near me. As I stared out at the gulls dancing and diving under His Bow, I was filled with a sense of deep gratitude. In the middle of my distress, God sent me a reminder of His constant faithfulness and continually kept promises. A voice, strong and wonderful, sounded within my mind: "I will Never Leave you nor Forsake you. I am with you Always." I have heard this voice but a few times in my life and each instance remains in my memory with perfect clarity for I know this voice is not my own. Tears fell down my face as I was wrapped in the love of my Father. I knew at that moment that I was not alone, that I was never alone. No matter how great the pain and loneliness, there is One who understands. No matter how many people have and will desert me, there is One who never will. -- May 30, 2011"
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