Blog

EXPERIENCING GOD IN UNEXPECTED PLACES: RAINBOW RIVER

By: Sarah Bishop

Posted: June 14, 2022

Category: Daily Devotional

Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Come, behold the works of the Lord;
see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
‘Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.’
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Rainbow River Florida State Park, Dunnellon, FL – Paddling slowly and letting the gentle current of the spring carry us downstream, God surrounded us with a gentle breeze, baby ducklings floating near, turtles and even a gator sunning themselves in the morning rays. And if we looked just right, you could see the gars and the bluegill fish swim along with us. The beauty of God’s creation allowing my concerns, worries, and even, yes, the stress of Vacation Bible School right around the corner for a day. “Be still and know I am God” repeated through my head as my paddle moved smoothly through the waters once more.

Prayer

Lord of hosts, our very refuge and strength, we offer prayers of thanks and praise of how You awe us with the wonders of Your creation. When what’s inside our heads try to tell us to focus on ourselves, the beauty of nature brings our attention back to You and the glorious ways You truly care for us as You do the smallest duckling bobbing on a bank. In Christ’s precious name, we pray, Amen.