“When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.” (Genesis 9:16 (NLT)

Many years ago, I saw a viral video on YouTube with a guy becoming extremely excited over a double rainbow. There is something so profoundly wonderful and beautiful about a rainbow. But it is even more marvelous to those who understand its origin and why God gave it to humanity.

After the worldwide Flood, God determined that He would never again destroy all creatures of the earth through the flood waters. Even though the imagination of human hearts is evil from childhood, God promised to continue the seasons, days, and nights until He creates a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1). The rainbow is the sign of God’s covenant with every living creature on earth. Whenever He sees it in the sky, He remembers His everlasting promise.

Hope is built on promises. When a man and woman say their vows on their wedding day, they are making a covenant to love each other and stay together no matter what life brings. This gives each person hope that their love and marriage will continue for a lifetime. Without hope, we cannot survive. People don’t always keep their commitments, but it is impossible for God to lie or fail to keep even one of His promises.

When you look up and see a rainbow, what do you think? To be sure, it is a stunning phenomenon of nature. But it is so much more. It is a sign that God will always keep His promises. In an ever-changing world, we have the assurance that God’s Word will never change, and that He is always trustworthy. It is not only the promise never again to destroy the world with a Flood, but also the guarantee of His love. This universal covenant with humanity pointed to the New Covenant that God forgives all our sins when we believe in Jesus Christ. God’s promise can be trusted, and this gives us eternal hope.

So, the next time you see a rainbow in the sky, thank God for His promise of salvation through Jesus Christ.

“Heavenly Father, thank you for your rainbow that reminds us you will never destroy the earth again through the floodwaters. Thank you for your everlasting covenant to save us through faith in Jesus. In His name we pray. Amen.”