Updated date:

Nov 23, 2019

Sundown Devotional: The Rainbow in the Clouds

Author:: Dora Weithers

MsDora, former teacher and Christian counselor presents practical Scriptural principles for joyful everyday living.

Sundown Devotional brings friends together on the back porch, as the sun sets on the workweek. Away from the stressful workplace and hustle and bustle in the streets, we relax, reminisce, reflect and share inspiration from our peaceful meditation on a short Scripture passage.Today, we focus on the rainbow. Christian or not, we will all be encouraged.

Sundown: Time to Relax, Reminisce, Reflect

Photo by Lucas Migliorelli. Text added.
Wikimedia Commons

Rainbows in Poetry and Prayers

Be thou (God) the rainbow in the storms of life. ― Lord Byron
Oh, God of Dust and Rainbows,
Help us to see
That without the dust the rainbow
Would not be.
― Langston Hughes

My heart leaps up when I behold
A rainbow in the sky:
So was it when my life began;
So is it now I am a man.
― William Wordsworth
Let me, O let me bathe my soul in colours;
Let me swallow the sunset and drink the rainbow.
― Khalil Gibran

Two bubbles found they had rainbows on their curves.
They flickered out saying:
"It was worth being a bubble, just to have held that rainbow thirty seconds.” ― Carl Sandburg

The Devotional

It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud. (Genesis 9:14 NKJV)

Rainbows in my childhood seemed more frequent and more brilliant, although it may not be so. They still hang from the sky like a drop-down from God’s universal menu to remind us of His love, His control and His protection over the earth.

I remember my cousin yelling in our childhood front yard for me to come outside and watch the rainbow. As I walked toward her, she was looking in the opposite direction. The rainbow was behind me, and yes, it was worth the turning around.

What part of God’s awesomeness do we not see because we need a mental turn around? Do we sometimes miss the rainbow in the cloud?

Within the cloud of regret brought on by the memory of our past misdeeds, there is also the promise of God’s forgiveness. Do we need to change our focus, so we could watch Him change the view from dark to bright?

And within that cloud of anxiety brought on by the service deeds God has placed in our feeble hands to do, is also the promise of His grace. It is sufficient to complete what He started in us.

Let’s carry a rainbow in our minds and allow it to remind us of God’s attributes: love, joy, peace, hope, healing, grace and redemption. Those who position themselves to see God’s rainbow in the clouds, will find and benefit from His promises.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we appreciate your handiwork, from the formation of the clouds to the display of the rainbow, please revive us with Your presence, Your love and Your power. We thank You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Meditative Rainbow Quotes

You'll never find a rainbow if you're looking down. ― Charlie Chaplin
When it rains on your parade, look up rather than look down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow. ― G. K. Chesterton
After every storm, there is a rainbow. If you have eyes, you will find it. If you have wisdom, you will create it. ― Shannon L. Alder
I see rainbows where others see only rain, and possibilities when others see only problems. ― Sharon M. Draper
This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds. ― Ralph Waldo Emerson
Life throws challenges and every challenge comes with rainbows and lights to conquer it. ― Amit Ray
We may run, walk, stumble. drive, or fly, but let us never lose sight of the reason for the journey, or miss a chance to see a rainbow on the way. ― Gloria Gaither
Formal education teaches how to stand, but to see the rainbow you must come out and walk many steps on your own. ― Amit Ray
There is no envy, jealousy, or hatred between the different colors of the rainbow. And no fear either. Because each one exists to make the others’ love more beautiful. ― Aberjhani
Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud. ― Maya Angelou

Rainbow Poll

More Sundown Devotionals

Sundown Devotional: Searching Takes Time
One quick search will not yield all we need or all we can get to improve our lives. It takes time. Is the intensity of our desire to find reflected in the intensity of our search?
Sundown Devotional: Thriving on Testimonies
The testimony is personal.It doesn’t begin with “Some people” or "We have to.” It is a simple declaration of faith (evidence) which encourages both the speaker and the listener to thrive.What's yours?

Comments

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on February 04, 2020:

Mavis, great to hear that you were blessed. I appreciate your feedback.

Mavis Chiverton on February 04, 2020:

Beautifu thoughts and quotes iwas blessed Thank you

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on January 20, 2020:

Thanks, Chris, for your valuable contribution. Yes, "Rainbows are the signs of hope."

Chris Mills from Traverse City, MI on January 19, 2020:

Without rainbows of one kind or another, life would be even more difficult. Rainbows are the signs of hope that we need in order to go on. Thank you for highlighting the importance of rainbows in our lives.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on November 28, 2019:

Thanks, Devika. The rainbow is a promise of better days,so I'm glad that it makes you feel happy.

Devika Primic on November 28, 2019:

Beautiful poetry and a sight of a rainbow feels happy to me.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on November 04, 2019:

Thank you, Patricia. Hoping that all is well in your household also. Thanks for your beautiful input.

Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on November 04, 2019:

I have never seen a rainbow that I did not fill me with awe. The clouds do come but being stuck within clouds and failing to see the many rainbows that come our way is missing so much. thank you for sharing this ....it is filled with many memorable quotes to savor. Angels are headed your way. Hoping all is good with you and yours ps

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on October 12, 2019:

Alyssa, that a wonderful habit that you and your son share. Yes, those little moments shape long lasting memories. Both of you will benefit.

Alyssa from Ohio on October 12, 2019:

I just love pausing in stillness to appreciate a sunrise and sunset... And it's always a special treat whenever there is a rainbow. I like to grab my son and we try to get photos every time we see one. It's so important to treasure these little moments in life, remembering how precious it is to be alive and expressing gratitude.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on October 09, 2019:

Shauna, thanks for your input. Yes, I agree. Rainbows are magical and divine. They also inspire.

Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on October 09, 2019:

Dora, rainbows are magical. They never cease to take my breath away and put an instant smile on my face. Now that I think about it, they have a calming effect as well. After reading this inspiring post, I now understand why!

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on October 05, 2019:

Denise, I can relate to your fascination with rainbows. The scenario you describe would be awesome.

Denise W Anderson from Bismarck, North Dakota on October 04, 2019:

This is beautiful! I love rainbows. I wish that I could stand in the light at the end of the rainbow and bask in the colors. Each time I see one I thank the Lord for the gift.

Antonio50S on October 02, 2019:

To Dora.

Some people may disagree that Love is God's Greatest attribute. But cannot see how they can do that ? God does have many Attributes/Qualities as we humans do as well.

Good Parents while raising their children, at times show other parts of their own attributes while doing that. But the motives of a real good parent is centred on that Greatest attribute of Love itself.

I know you like sticking to the point Dora. You are right of course, and i can now see how that is helpful to many, but this young, apparent in significant youth came along yesterday and put me in my place. I was about to cary out some legal action against this one thorn in my side, but the young pup reminded me that there are much higher Laws than sticking to the Law itself. That Law is the Law of Love.

Basically he was saying to me, all things are Lawful, but not always advantageous. Only Real Love could know that. And it's also a reminder to all of us, that we should never be so inflexible to the point of invalidating that Real Law of Love. "Not referring" to you Dora, but to ALL OF US.

Antonio50S on October 02, 2019:

Thanks Dora & ( Mr Fiberesima )

( I now know you meant well )

Will explain that Troy thing when i get round to it. Not "Helen of Troy" Sparta :)

Love everyone.

Peace.

Cheryl E Preston from Roanoke on October 01, 2019:

Yes so true

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on October 01, 2019:

Lora, I agree with you. Rainbows "do speak to us in a personal way" and I am encouraged by you and others like you who take the time to voice that personal message. I appreciate you.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on October 01, 2019:

Thanks, Tim. Worth repeating: "Rainbows are wonders of the beauty and strength of God."

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on October 01, 2019:

Well, Nell. The hologram idea makes me smile, but its all you. Thanks for your input.

Lora Hollings on October 01, 2019:

I love your beautiful meditation, Ms Dora, on rainbows and the spiritual significance they have. They do speak to us in a personal way and they give us hope that things will improve in our lives. I love the quotes and the poems in your article too. This is my favorite, "Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud." -Maya Angelou. Thanks for sharing your uplifting prayer and these wise quotes!

Tim Truzy from U.S.A. on September 30, 2019:

Indeed, Ms. Dora. Wonderful devotion. Rainbows are wonders of the beauty and strength of God. They help us remember in life: We need a little rain to appreciate the rainbows. Immensely positive work.

Nell Rose from England on September 30, 2019:

I love Rainbows! Just the color makes me stand and just stare! And yes unless you look up you will never see the rainbow. I love the metaphor of the rainbow here.

I always think on a scientific (me, grin) level, that when I see a rainbow I think, well, there you go. we are all holograms!

Antonio50S on September 30, 2019:

To Dora.

Just letting you know. If ever i post anything on your hub, if it's addressed to you, then it's addressed to you.

I did have problems in the past with religions and some religious individuals as you know, due to reasons, including their CONSTANT JUDGEMENTS on others including labelling them, but now ( moved on ) from them. I really don't need their approval or the approval of any individual now.

NOW, i just get on with "idividuals" who i admire and respect. ( Not referring to you Dora ) but respect is something you earn. When Jesus addressed the 7 Congregations in ( Revlations 2 ) he always highlighted their strengths first, then afterwards, they were more receptive to any surggestions or constructive criticisms.

( You Dora are good in my books now ) and always will be. Up to now, you haven't made one single negative comment or Judgement about me. How can i not respect you for that ???

And one thing I am becoming more and more aware of is how we use our words and how they effect others. ( Mark 2:17 ) The words of Jesus. "It is not the healthy who need a doctor"

Jesus don't even care about our past, it's the steps we're making to become better people now, that will qualify us for being in that future Kingdom to come. That's what ( Free Will ) is all about. We just need to stop Judging and labelling others, since we will all appear before the Judgement seet of God. ( Mathew 25:31-32 )

You know Dora. One thing i have learned from my "own experience" and by observing even the most intellectuals of life, most of them don't know themselves as they ought to know. ( 1 Corinthians 8:2-3 ) Love is the Key that makes us known by God. Not what ( We Think ) we know, or what we know about others.

Take Love out of knowledge and success, we're nobody in life. Love on it's own however is better than all the knowledge in the world. After all, that's God's Greatest Attribute or Quality.

As i said Dora. ( You are good in my books )

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on September 30, 2019:

Antonio, thanks for your input on floods and rainbows, and for the suggestion to keep the flame of wonderment alive.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on September 30, 2019:

Thanks, Cynthia. Thanks for joining our group who think that there used to be more rainbows, although I'm not sure that it's not our childhood interpretation. However, we know for sure that they're fascinating. Sure, make use of the devotional.

Miebakagh Fiberesima from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NIGERIA. on September 29, 2019:

Hi, all Troys have something worthy and very interesting to say at times. Here the information provides by this troy is commendable. Both the Bible, history and other holy books have recorded the rainbow. As a graduate of History, I upheld the information given by Antonio50S. Thanks for weighing in. Enjoy the day.

Antonio50S on September 29, 2019:

Hi Dora.

"Had to comment" on this one when i read it.

You know, the fact that rainbows can be "explained" as a "Natural Phenomena" does not rule out that God created rainbows after the flood.

That's Gods way of saying, I will give Rainbows to you as a Sign or Promise that i will never destroy the world by that means again. Also the amount of evidence discovered, all supporting a past Biblical deluge is some phenomena itself :)

The "Sumerian King List" or "Tablet" for one, is a 4000 year old document discovered in the 1900s. It's called the "King List" because it Mentions 8 Kings who ruled before the Biblical flood, as well as many of the same details recorded in Genesis, including the flood itself. Absolutely in agreement with the Genesis account.

This is interesting. "Sumer" which is also called Sumeria is the site of the earliest known Civilization, located in southern Mosopotamia which later became babylonia, and now Iraq. This "King List" is only one bit of evidence we have, but you know the really interesting thing is, despite any claims to the contrary, humam history DONT go back any further than this discovery. Prior to the Flood however is all recorded in Genesis itself.

For me Dora. When i first read this, these words came to mind,

"NEVER let the fire in your heart go out, ALWAYS keep the flame of wonderment alive"

We should always Guard the Human Heart, because that's where all life springs from. ( Proverbs 4:23 ) "The seat of Motivation"

Never let the heart drift.

Great Subject MsDora. Well Written.

Cynthia Zirkwitz from Vancouver Island, Canada on September 29, 2019:

What a great question that is: am I fascinated with rainbows? Like you as a child, I believe that either there were more rainbows or that I was perhaps less distracted and more entranced by them. In any case, this is a lovely hub with many inspiring quotes that I could return to when I am jaded or disappointed. I may also summon it as a devotional. Thank you.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on September 29, 2019:

Wow, Marie. Those are some beautiful sundown images you describe. Thanks for sharing.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on September 29, 2019:

Mary, sounds you are surrounded by beauty continually. Enjoy the views.

Marie Flint from Jacksonville, FL USA on September 29, 2019:

I always remember God's promise that He would no longer destroy flesh by flooding. Double rainbows are especially awesome. Sun dogs, caused by ice particles, sometimes appear on each side of the sun, usually just before setting.

Mary Norton from Ontario, Canada on September 29, 2019:

We have some beautiful rainbows in the cottage as it curves around the lake. Thanks for reminding me how beautiful they truly are.

Miebakagh Fiberesima from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NIGERIA. on September 28, 2019:

Hi, Dora, i appreciate your comments. Thanks.