For This Day

Rainbows remind me of a classic line from Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life, "It's not about you."  I can't create a rainbow, nor can I determine when or where it will appear. All of that is strictly up to God. And for some reason, He's decided that rainbows are only momentary wonders ... seemingly random and fleeting in duration.  They appear to have no rhyme nor reason, yet they are intentionally orchestrated for His good purposes.  In a similar way, I am learning afresh that He is arranging my days, one at a time, according to His divine design. I may have some influence on how situations play out, but ultimately it is up to Him.  And in His timeframe, grace and help are granted for each day ... no more and no less. I often find myself resisting God's distribution schedule, worrying and begging for provision reserved for His perfect timing. In God Works the Night Shift, author Ron Mehl wisely observes,"Why do we feel as though we don't have enough strength or emotional energy or wisdom or courage to face the day before us? Why do we feel empty-handed ... and panicky? Perhaps it's because we're trying to cover yesterday and tomorrow with today's provision."  In the Old Testament, God provided His people with only enough manna for each day. In the New Testament, Jesus' model prayer included, "Give us this day our daily bread."  The Lord continues to allow circumstances that require me to trust Him for this day, and believe He will make a way for the next one, too. It is not an easy process, but I know it is good.  He continues to keep His promises, right on time.

"But as for me, I trust in You O Lord. I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in Your hand." Psalm 31:14-15a



Choosing to Chase

The title for this blog site came to me after an unusual outing.  It was one of those evenings when the eastern horizon looked threatening, while the western sky radiated golden sunlight. Conditions seemed just right for a rainbow, but I couldn't see one from my house. I decided to get in my car and drive to higher ground. I needed to gain a broader vista. About five minutes into my journey, I saw a vibrant arch of color in the distance.  My "rainbow chase" was a success!  Travelling home, I realized that if I had stayed within my nearby surroundings, I would have completely missed that marvelous moment.  It's been almost a month since then, yet I find myself still thinking about it.  I recognize that my vision is often so narrow that I fail to see the glory and faithfulness of God. I dwell in a "mental cubicle," defined by personal concerns.  Not that it is wrong to care about those issues, but I can easily allow them to fill me with anxiety and rob me of joy. The Lord calls me to look beyond what is immediate, to see a bigger picture, seeking Him above it all. I love the example of Psalm 121:1-2, 

"I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." 

God invites me to know His goodness, but I must choose to make it my focus. I want to align my perspective with His, to see the past tunnel vision that limits my view.

Glory in the Darkness

 A few weeks ago, at the end of an especially tiring day, I opened my front door and was stunned to behold a full rainbow, bold in color and dazzling in brilliance. I literally stopped breathing for a moment, then found myself smiling ear to ear.  While my neighborhood looks different than the one pictured here, the blackness of the sky was just about the same. Then it hit me. Without the darkness, I wouldn't see the glory. That is the lesson God is teaching me right now ... to look beyond what seems scary & unknown, to that which is certain and defined by His Word. He calls me to rejoice in the rainbow, choosing to let its radiance outshine the shadows of life's ever changing challenges.

"We walk by faith, not by sight. We are of good courage." 2 Cor. 5:7-8a