This year has been filled with a lot of crazy. There have been a lot of tasks and things that I could not have planned. In Driving down the street, I was annoyed. I woke up late and I was rushing to be somewhere. I didn’t accomplish all the things I needed and wanted to do before leaving home. On top of all this, I was caught in road construction that was not moving.
One of the reasons I was frustrated was because I did not have time or space to spend with God before I left, and nothing says “I need Jesus” like traffic. So, I began to pray and talk to God about this week’s focus, and this particular week my devotion was teaching me to notice, experience and appreciate God’s love in the storyline of my life.
I thought “Great. I’m learning to experience and appreciate God’s love, but I don’t feel loveable right now. I’m angry. I am frustrated with my body because it is not cooperating with my plans. I also feel like I am letting people down.”
In that moment, God reminded me of the words from Isaiah 43 that He whispered over me when I woke up that morning.
Chosen.
Beloved.
Precious.
Mine.
What?
These words did not match how I felt. I felt angry, frustrated, and upset. However, God was telling me that I’m chosen, beloved, precious, and His. I began to question God. Don’t you see the mess I’ve created? Don’t you see these unmet expectations? Don’t you see the disappointment?
Then I felt like God asked “Don’t you see how much I love you? You’re a finite creature. Do you think any part of your morning surprises me? Am I the one that’s angry with you and these unmet expectations, or are you?”
My first thought was “Well that was unexpected.” And then traffic started to move. While I was still pondering this conversation, it happened. As I rounded the corner to follow the traffic, a full, giant and vibrant rainbow stretched out in front of me. I’ve never seen anything like it, and as I kept driving and marveling at its beauty, I continued to see at least three more full or partial rainbows.
Now, out of context the rainbow is just a fun sight to see. But in the context of my most recent conversation with God (and a passage that he showed me later in the week). God reminded me of this truth.
This is like the days of Noah to me: as I swore that waters of Noah should no more go over the earth, so I have sworn that I will not be angry with you, and will not rebuke you. For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,’ says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:9-10
The rainbow was God’s visual reminder of His promise to Noah. So, when those rainbows appeared in the sky (multiple times), I felt like God was connecting the dots from my ears to my head to my heart. God had been telling me all morning that He loved me, but my ears were clogged. So, He had to use a visual representation to get my attention (and not just one, but four). Not only this, but He also showed me that if I had woken up on time, and met all of my own expectations, I would have missed His powerful display of glory and affection. Needless to say, I was left speechless and surprised.
Y’all the God of the universe LOVES you.
He. Loves. You.
From your highest highs, to your lowest lows.
You are fully seen.
You are fully loved.
How have you been surprised by His glory and affection?