Genesis 9:16
“Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” (Genesis 9:16)
After every torrential storm there’s a rainbow. Rainbows are caused by the reflection and refraction of water droplets illuminated by the sun, thereby creating a spectrum of light in the sky. Rainbows appear during the transition of rain to sun. After a dark and torrential storm, a rainbow is beautiful to look at.
God used this rainbow reminder to tell His people that He won’t break a promise. The most devastating natural disaster had just occurred: the total and complete flooding of the earth, wiping out all human and animal life except for one relatively small remnant—Noah, his family, and the animals in the ark.
He promised Noah, and every descendant after him, that He would never do that again. As long as we see rainbows in the sky, we can know another flood like that won’t strike again.
When we face devastating storms, we must remember that God’s promises also shine like rainbows. God promises His love and mercy. Jesus promised to never leave us. He promised a place for us, where there is no crying or pain. The Holy Spirit is promised to intercede for us.
This verse reveals a crucial truth about God’s character: He is a promise-keeper who marks His commitments with visible reminders. The rainbow isn’t just a pretty sight after rain—it’s God’s memorial to His own faithfulness. Every time He sees it, He remembers His covenant. Every time we see it, we should remember His promises.
Notice what God says: “I will see it and remember.” God doesn’t need help remembering His promises, but He chose to establish a sign that would trigger remembrance for both Him and us. The rainbow becomes a bridge between heaven and earth, a visual testimony that when the worst is over, God’s faithfulness remains.
This is the kind of God we serve—one who makes covenants, keeps them forever, and gives us tangible reminders that we can point to when doubt creeps in.
When you’re going through your own devastating storm—whether it’s financial ruin, relational breakdown, health crisis, or crushing loss—look for God’s rainbow reminders. What has He promised you in His Word? Write them down. Speak them out loud. Let them become your rainbow after the rain.
Those promises are beautiful to remember as we recover from the after-effects of our storms. Trust them. They are as evident and as real as a rainbow in the sky.
Don’t wait until the storm is completely over to start looking for God’s faithfulness. Sometimes the rainbow appears while it’s still drizzling, while the clouds are still gray, while you’re still soaked from the downpour. God’s promises are true even when the storm isn’t fully past.
Remember that God’s promises shine brightest against the backdrop of our darkest storms. Just as a rainbow needs both rain and sunshine to exist, God’s faithfulness is most visible when we’ve experienced the darkness and are now seeing the light break through.
If you’re in the aftermath of a storm right now—if you’re standing in the wreckage wondering if you’ll ever be okay again—look up. God hasn’t broken His promise. He promised to never leave you, and He hasn’t. He promised to work all things together for good, and He will. He promised that weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning, and your morning is coming.
Trust the rainbow. Trust the promise-keeper who put it there.
Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God who keeps His promises. Just as You promised Noah that You would never flood the earth again, You have made promises to me that are just as certain and everlasting.
Lord, I’ve been through some devastating storms. [Name your specific storms.] The damage is real, the pain is deep, and sometimes I wonder if things will ever be right again. But just as You gave Noah the rainbow as a reminder of Your covenant, You’ve given me Your Word filled with promises I can stand on.
Thank You for promising that You will never leave me or forsake me. Thank You for promising that You work all things together for good for those who love You. Thank You for promising a future and a hope. Thank You for promising that this light and momentary trouble is achieving an eternal glory that far outweighs it all.
Help me to look for Your rainbow reminders even while I’m still recovering from the storm. Help me to trust Your promises as firmly as I trust that another worldwide flood won’t come. Your Word is as certain as the rainbow in the sky—evident, real, and beautiful.
When I face the after-effects of my storms, remind me of Your faithfulness. Let me see Your promises shining through the clouds. You are a covenant-keeping God, and I can trust You completely. In Jesus’ name, Amen.