Devotionals for the Heart: God sends messages with beautiful rainbows

Rainbow Messages
A devotional by Paula Moldenhauer

“I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth.”~ Genesis 9:13 NLT

My nine-year-old burst through the front door. “Did you see? There are two rainbows outside!” The family rushed to the window. I trailed behind, caught up in a glum mood.

“Hurry, Mom!” My seven-year-old pleaded. “You gotta see this!”

I caught my breath as I joined them at the window. The perfect rainbow arched right in front of our home. Its colors were so rich it looked surreal, like something from a children’s Bible storybook instead of honest-to-goodness reality.

A tug in my heart said God gave me the rainbow to remind me of His promises.

Like the grumpy woman I was that day, I rejected the happy thought, reasoning with the left side of my brain that science has shown us how and why rainbows were made. The rainbow was delighting many families throughout our neighborhood. It wasn’t personal. It wasn’t a reminder to hope in God. Instead of reveling in the wonder of the rainbow’s beauty, placement, timing, and perfection, I recited the colors of ROY G. BIV.

Even people who’ve never read the Genesis account of Noah know the rainbow is a symbol of hope and promise. Whether or not God painted that rainbow for me at that moment can be argued either way. That isn’t the point.

The point is the Holy Spirit wanted to whisper hope into my heart as I gazed upon the rainbow’s wonder.

But that afternoon, I didn’t want to feel hopeful. It would mean choosing faith over whining, and, quite frankly, I felt like complaining.

I shut my heart and turned from the glorious rainbow. Oh, outwardly I tried not to dampen the enthusiasm of my children. I said the right things. Smiled an outside smile. But on the inside, I willfully closed my heart to the gentle reminder of the Holy Spirit that God’s promises were worth holding onto.

What a waste! I could have rushed down my stairs, flung open the front door (and my heart)! I could have run onto the lawn, my arms spread wide, embracing the promises of the Creator! I could have twirled in the street underneath the brilliant arch and laughed in joyful acceptance of His loving encouragement!

How about you, my friend? Are there gentle whispers of hope you turn from?

My Prayer: Father God, help me embrace the moments of hope You so freely give.

~*~
Author Bio:

Author, speaker, and mom of four, Paula Moldenhauer encourages others to live free to flourish. She shares this message when speaking at women’s events, and it permeates her written work. 

Paula has published over 300 times in non-fiction markets and has a devotional book series, Soul Scents. Her first published novella, You’re a Charmer Mr. Grinch, was a finalist in the ACFW Carol Awards, and she now has six published works of fiction. Her most recent release is included in A Bouquet of Brides. 

Paula and her husband, Jerry, are adjusting to a sometimes-empty nest in Colorado. They treasure time with their growing family of adult children, spouses, and spouses-to-be. 

Paula loves peppermint ice cream, going barefoot, and adventuring with friends. 

Today’s devotion was adapted from her devotional book, Soul Scents: Rooted. Visit her at www.paulamoldenhauer.com