Today, with a moment of silence our country remembers the terrible events of 9/11 in Manhattan, DC and Pennsylvania. I understand the reasons for generic “silence” and appreciate it being included, but what if there’s more? What if God is speaking? Can we hear Him through the silence?

A few weeks ago, some friends and I visited Ground Zero in New York. It was a sobering experience to see where it happened and yes, there was a lot of silence. People of all descriptions quietly viewed the memorial pools and displays. As I walked around pondering it all, there was a question on my mind, “What have we learned from this?” I thought of how we were reminded on that tragic day years ago of life’s most treasured things, resulting in our priorities changing as a people. However, over time we slowly slipped back into celebrity worship, status updates and distractions…and I started to feel depressed. That’s when I saw it.

For some reason, while standing by one of the trees on the site (with those thoughts literally on my mind), I looked up and noticed a huge rainbow. It wasn’t just a rainbow in the distance; it was horizontal over us like a circular statement echoing back to Genesis 9. I could sense in my spirit, God’s reassuring presence and Him saying, “Relax, I’m still in charge as always.” Man, I’m glad He is. I get frustrated, worried and angry when it comes to culture and national direction, but I must let those emotions go. God is still very much in charge and true hope is only found in Him. The Psalmist said it best and we can take comfort in these great words of promise:

“Behold the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, just as we hope in You.”
– Psalm 33:18-22 NKJV