Then God said, “I am giving you a sign of My covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. I have placed My rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of My covenant with you and with all the earth. When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, and I will remember My covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life. When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.” Then God said to Noah, “Yes, this rainbow is the sign of the covenant I am confirming with all the creatures on earth.” Genesis 9:12-17
The rainbow is such a spectacular thing. Every time we see one, everyone around looks and you can hear the “Oooo’s and Aaah’s.” The rainbow is breathtaking. Even the unbelievers see it and are inspired. The rainbow carries a feeling of hope and blessing that is so powerful that it draws all to it. It’s no wonder the devil has attempted to hijack this beautiful phenomenon. But he never will be able to truly do so. The rainbow is, and remains, God’s symbol of promise over us. His reminder of a covenant. Our reminder of His greatness. The One with the power to destroy all things, committing to hold back.
The rainbow is amazing…but have you ever seen a rainbow that makes a perfect circle? A few times, while out on the water, I’ve witnessed this awe-inspiring phenomenon. While the regular rainbow is truly amazing…the full circle rainbow carries a feeling of exponential blessing. It’s a rare sighting and carries a feeling of special favor.
The full circle rainbow reminds me that God goes before us and behind us, and that He is above and below us. To me, it represents His wrap around love. A physical representation of a spiritual principle.
Today it makes me wonder, how would you behave differently if you truly knew and believed with all your heart, that His wrap around presence was with you everywhere you go?
If you could physically see His presence, how would that change you?
Would you be more bold? Would you fear less? Would you strive to behave more holy?
I think the answer to all this would be, yes.
The wrap around rainbow represents something that is true, whether we see it or not. His presence is always with us. He does go before and behind us. He is all around us.
O Lord, You have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place Your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! I can never escape from Your spirit! I can never get away from Your presence! If I go up to heaven, You are there; if I go down to the grave, You are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there Your hand will guide me, and Your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night- but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To You the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to You. Psalm 139:1-12
365 Days in the Presence 