August 16

The Soul's Venture

But God remembered Noah and all the animals and livestock that were with him in the ark. And God sent a wind over the earth, and the waters began to subside. — Gen 8:1 BSB

It is very helpful to ponder these words, for they assure us that not only does God care for cattle, birds, and all living creatures, as we learn from Deuteronomy 25:4, Psalm 104:11-22, Jonah 4:11, and Matthew 6:26, but He cares even more for us, His children! Like Noah and his family, you may feel shut off from human help. It may seem as impossible for you to extricate yourself as it was for Noah. You may have the responsibility of providing for those in need, and your supplies may be running low. Yet, God remembers you in the midst of the storm and the flood. Just as a mother cannot forget her nursing child, God will not forget you.

The ark rested on the slopes of Ararat on the seventeenth day of the seventh month, and the waters receded quickly. Noah, who had harvested before the flood, left the ark in time to sow for the coming year. Trust your life’s times and seasons to your Heavenly Father. He waits to be trusted, and when you do, your life becomes a beautiful mosaic of His loving care and foresight.

Guard against raven-like thoughts—restless, feeding on evil—while cultivating dove-like thoughts, gentle and pure, that draw promises from God’s Word like olive leaves. Soon, He who called you in will say, "Go forth." Then build your altar of self-sacrifice and dedication.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, strengthen me to look, not at the dark cloud, but at Your rainbow; not at what You have taken or withheld, but at what You have left; not at the stormy waters, but at the face of Jesus. Amen.