On August 2, 2020, God put this rainbow in the sky over Chicago’s Lake Michigan.
Also on the weekend of August 2, 2020, 34 Chicagoans were shot, 9 fatally, one of whom was a 9 year old boy.*
God notices the violence in Chicago, just He noticed it in the days of Noah.
But God has said, “When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember my covenant with you. Never again will floodwaters destroy all life (from Genesis 9:15-16).”
Remembering God’s promise, we pray.
This is what the Lord says: I would no more reject my people than I would change my laws that govern night and day, earth and sky (Jeremiah 33:25).
The sun, the sky, the sea, the earth are visible reminders of God’s constant love.
Remember that when you pray.
Everything is different. Everything is still the same.
Dandelions grow. Hubcaps fall off cars. People litter.
We still need the Lord. That is why we pray.
A weed grown tall.
Not valued, yet beautiful.
Like people. Too young or too old. Too poor or too prickly. Too . . .
But everyone is precious in God’s sight. Pray for one another (James 5:16).
Whiter than snow.
Make this prayer yours. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me and I shall be whiter than snow (Psalm 51:7).
A sunflower growing on a busy street.
A sunflower turns to face the sun; we turn to face God’s Son, Jesus. He is light and he is love.
Observe how the lilies of the field grow . . . not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these . . . So do not worry (Matthew 6:28-34).
So do not worry. Pray.
Parks and roads are closed all over Chicago. But road closures don’t stop God.
He makes the clouds his chariot; he rides on the wings of the wind (Psalm 104:3).
His mercies . . . are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Plead for mercy when you pray.
I passed bright green bushes and pale purple pansies on my walk to the store.
I savored sweet smelling lilacs.
But the grocery store, a few steps beyond these flowers, was boarded up and closed.
If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Lake Shore Drive without cars and the Lake Front without people creates a peaceful picture. But Chicago is not peaceful.
Seek the welfare of the city to where I have sent you . . . and pray to the Lord on its behalf (Jeremiah 29:7).
