THE SOUL'S VENTURE

Then God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the animals that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters subsided. (Genesis 8:1 NKJV)

It's very helpful to think about these words, for it gives the assurance that not only will God take care of cattle, and birds, and every living thing, as we learn from Deuteronomy 25:4; Psalm 104:11-22; Jonah 4:11; Matthew 6:26; but that He will much more think of and care for us, His children! Like Noah and his family, you may be shut away from all human help. It may be as impossible for you, as it was for him, to free yourself. You may have the responsibility of providing for those in need. Your supplies may be continually decreasing before your eyes, but God remembers you amid the waste of waters, and beneath those dark cloud covered skies. As a mother cannot forget her weaning child, so God cannot forget you.

The ark grounded on the lower slopes of Ararat on the seventeenth day of the seventh month, and the waters decreased so rapidly, that, as Noah had reaped the harvest before the flood came, he left the ark in time to sow for the succeeding year. Dare to trust the times and seasons of your life to your Heavenly Father's care. He only waits to be trusted, and then life becomes woven into a beautiful mosaic of His loving forethought and care.

Be sure to guard against raven like thoughts, which are restless and feed evil; seek to cultivate meek, gentle, pure, and dove like thoughts that cull the olive leaves of promise from the Word of God. Presently He who said "Come in," will say "Go forth!" Then build your altar of self sacrifice and self giving.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, strengthen me that I may not look on the dark cloud, but for Your rainbow; not on what You have taken or withheld, but on what You have left; not on the stormy waters, but on the face of Jesus. It's in His name I pray, Amen.