by Richelle Hecker

Rejoicing in His Promises

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link. 

I used to watch for and take pictures of rainbows. I captured full double and triple rainbows vibrant in color, all reminders of God’s promises. Every time I saw one I was encouraged. Then, after posting a photo on social media, a friend mentioned that they saw striking rainbows all the time while living in Hawaii, and since that time they had become mundane. This little tidbit nagged at me, and I found my view of rainbows around me diminished. What once brought great joy now seemed too common and not quite good enough. I still enjoyed them, but without the same level of innocence that made me want to point them out to everyone around me as well.

The rainbow was the first covenant, a visible representation of God’s promise to never destroy the whole earth and all life on it again. Perhaps, like me, you’ve lost your innocent awe when you see it. Science tells us that it is caused by the dispersion of light through water particles reflecting and refracting resulting in a multi-colored arced spectrum. But God reminds us in His Word that it is His personal signature.

“Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”
Genesis 9:16 New International Version

What other evidences of God’s promises have become mundane to you over time? Every year the church walks us through the truth of Christ and His work of salvation. As we travel through Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, and more are we filled with the full joy of what God has done?

When I looked through my pictures after a recent hike, I was surprised to find these rainbows that covered the whole image. It reminded me that God’s promises are over us eternally, whether we see it or not.

As you approach Thanksgiving, and the beginning of the new church year, remember God’s eternal promises and His vibrant signatures that ensure He’ll keep them. Let the joy of all He has done wash over you, and direct others’ attention to Him as well with your praise.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO