A Reminder of Hope!

After all these years, I am still filled with joy and feel a childlike giddiness when I see one of God’s colorful “bows” arcing across the sky. I can’t count how many times I have invited family and friends to come to the window or step outside to see the unfolding drama in God’s message of hope in a rainbow arcing across the sky!

God's Handiwork!

Our son recently sent me a picture that perfectly captures God’s creative handwork in a beautiful rainbow. As is typical, a thunderstorm and downpour drenched his neighborhood. He and his daughter had stepped out the front door to survey for any wind damage. Looking up, they beheld the stunning perfection of dazingly colors in layers of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.

Many of us have heard about the science of rainbows. Simply stated, they develop as light from the sun is refracted through the water droplets after a rain. Mathematicians add that rainbows are all about geometry. They occur when the sun is low in the sky and at an angle that is lower than forty-two degrees above the horizon. While this phenomenon can be replicated in a classroom using a prism or even in art class using Skittles candy, a plate and hot water, these attempts fall far short of what God can do when He paints the sky!

We live in chaotic times. These times call for prayer. I preached a message on God’s name, Yahweh Rapha, last Sunday during our church’s traditional worship service. Just before the message, I led in the pastoral prayer. Here are some of the concerns addressed in that prayer:

“Father, in heaven, you invite your children to ‘be still and know you are God.’ (Ps. 46:10). Settle us in these moments of quiet reflection. Help us to ‘cast our cares upon you and know that you care for us.’” (1 Peter 5:7).

“Lord, our hearts are troubled, anxious, and broken today. We admit that our faith is weak and that we need daily reminders Almighty and Powerful God, that you are in control and that with you ‘all things are possible for those who believe.’ We identify with the father of a needy boy who pleaded, ‘Lord, I believe, but help me with my unbelief.’” (Mark 9:24).

“We confess our failings and sin. We know what a mess we have made of your world. Leaders who fail to be guided by your righteous ways are nothing more than a reflection of our own sinful inclinations. We all stand in need of your wisdom, guidance, and forgiveness.

“Tragedies and injustices abound. Give us a heart of compassion for those in need. Make us willing to put our faith into action. May we all be your ministers and servants to others. Hate and division is everywhere and yet, we have been loved by you with a great love. Prompt us by the Holy Spirit to be agents of your love to others near and far.

“Give us a greater vision of healing and restoration today as we think about your name, Yahweh Rapha, God of healing and salvation. We pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior and Lord. Amen.”

What do you think of when you see a rainbow in the sky? I think of God’s promises in the Bible. Remember what God said to Noah and his family after the great flood, “Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember… This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.” (Genesis 9:16-17). This is the eternal promise of hope God gives to us even though we repeatedly fail Him and sin.

When you wonder in turbulent times, “Where is God?” Look up and hear this counsel from God Himself, “Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God.” (Isaiah 41:10). We are the children of a great God who is compassionate, forgiving, mends what is broken, and never leaves us alone!

What is your response to a rainbow? Let’s be comforted and tell others about the hope we have in a mighty God and in His Son, Jesus, our Savior, and Lord.

Mike Keppler, retired pastor,
active churchman and
doting grandparent.
Contact: drmjkeppler@gmail.com
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