“But God remembered Noah . . . ” Genesis 8:1 (NIV)

God remembers

Though rain plummets and thunder rumbles,
And an endless dark
Envelopes the sun.

God remembers

Though the dove brings nothing back,
And that same closed door declares,
"Not yet." 

God remembers

Though the measured months add up to years.
The hair grows sprinkled,
And the brow . . . wrinkled.

God remembers

He who formed you in the womb will not forget.
Our Savior, risen from death's sealed tomb,
Yes,

He will remember you.
..........

Physically and emotionally, the ark must have been a dark and depressing way to live. I can’t imagine the ongoing seasickness, along with the animal stench and animal noises commingling. To me, this sloshing zoo-in-a box would have been claustrophobic and the days endless.

And when it appeared to be over, it wasn’t. They continued to wait.

Noah and his family had to go through “all the things” as they waited to be sure the earth was dry. Steps were not skipped. A raven was sent out, and then a dove. And then, the dove was sent again. When the dove returned with an olive branch, they waited, and sent the dove out again. When it did not return, the cover of the ark was removed and they waited . . . again.

Our days are filled with more waiting than not. The hope of the actual “thing” or fulfillment keeps us in the waiting game. When the “thing” does eventually happen — or the situation resolves into a different route or plan — we find ourselves waiting for the next thing. So. Much. Waiting.

Whatever ark or “tomb” you find yourself in, please know that you are not forgotten. Tuck this phrase away as a bit of hope while you wait . . . may it be a rainbow in your day:

But God remembered Noah.

He remembers you, too.

Lord, sustain us as we wait for your plans to unfold. Give us the patience and endurance we need. Restore our trust and hope in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

“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 (NIV)