And God said, "I have set my rainbow in the clouds; it is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth ..."   -Genesis 9:12-13

Many of you have probably already seen the incredible photo of the rainbow that painted the sky over One World Trade Center yesterday, seemingly emanating from the structure itself.  What a beautiful sight to behold!
 
For most Americans, today is a day of remembrance.  No matter how full our schedule, most of us will pause for reflection at some point today, perhaps offering prayers of supplication to bring an end to violence in our world or to comfort those who continue to grieve.  On the radio this morning, I heard one mother describe the loss of her daughter 14 years ago "as real today as if it were yesterday."  Needless tragedy.
 
Trials and tribulation are a part of life and are unavoidable.  Christians are not immune to adversity.  Magical rainbows do not appear without first having lived through the storm.  God doesn't promise that our days will be filled with blue skies forever; however, the Lord does promise to be with us always to the end of the age.
 
For today, we can give thanks, just as Moses did, that we journey in the shelter of the Lord, a dwelling place for all generations.  Even in the face of evil, we can hold fast to the covenant commitments of God.  Though the grass withers and the flower fades, the word of our God stands forever.  The plans of the nations will fail, but God is from everlasting to everlasting.
 
Prayer for Today

O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
our shelter from the stormy blast,
be thou our guard while life shall last,
and our eternal home.  Amen.