Looking for Rainbows, Finding His Presence

There was a big storm tonight with lightning, thunder, and we even had some small hailstones. Then it poured heavily for a short time. After the rain stopped, I had to go somewhere in my car. As I was driving I noticed light peeking through the clouds, and I got excited! I knew what it meant: rainbow weather! I love rainbows and always look for them after a storm when the sun rays peek out from behind the clouds. So I started looking. Well I knew I couldn't look while driving (not a good idea :), and besides there were too many trees blocking the view of the whole sky. So I went to my favorite place where I watch sunsets, and I watched for rainbows instead.

I had a big open view of the entire sky. I saw a clearing in the white fluffy clouds where the light from the sun came through. And I saw the dark storm clouds to the south and east. But no rainbow. I prayed, "Lord, you know I love rainbows. Please give me a rainbow." I watched and waited. Where would it be? I stood outside my car, head uplifted, and I slowly turned in circles anticipating the brilliant colors. No rainbow. As I turned and watched, I begin praising the Lord with song and praying for loved ones. And all my senses became keenly aware of His presence. The cool breeze blew in my face and hair. The fresh aroma of the cleansed air filled my lungs. The song of the birds to announce the end of the storm played in my ears. And looking at lightning in the distant storm clouds, I saw the beauty and majesty of the Lord, even without a rainbow. Then I tasted and saw that the Lord was good. (Psalm 34:8)

Sometimes we expect rainbows after a storm, and they just don't happen. I've never seen a rainbow when I looked for one. It has always been a surprise. Maybe God loves to surprise us, when we least expect it. I love surprises. So I will wait for him to surprise me. But he brought me safely through the storm and revealed himself to me in his way, not mine.

Thank you Lord, for showing me your presence after the storm, even without a rainbow. You see us through storms in this life and then you show us your presence, in your way and your time. I know there will be times for rainbows, and you will give us those times exactly when you know it is best for us. But in the meantime, we praise you anyway for the freshness of your presence after bringing us through the storm.

I love you my dear Lord,

Your Ragamuffin Girl.