God Remembered Noah (Genesis 7:24-8:5)

Please read Genesis 7:24-8:5

Verse 24 of Genesis 7 tells us that “the waters prevailed on the earth 150 days.” That’s nearly 5 months! And that’s after 40 days and 40 nights of rain and flooding, so Noah and his family have been on the ark for about half a year. Can you imagine what must have been going through their minds during that time?

All of their friends, neighbors, co-workers, classmates, and weird uncles are gone. Everyone that they ever knew has been killed by God in this global flood. They must have been mourning. What’s more, their home has been destroyed—they can’t even see dry land anymore! They must have been wondering, "what’s going to happen to us?" Will they ever be able to build new houses or farms again? Will they ever be able to raise children who can run in the fields, enjoy the sunshine, or smell the flowers? Will they ever be able to get away from the constant smell and noise of all the animals, or the confined spaces in which they have to spend 24 hours of the day with their family? (I’m sure that right now, many of you can relate to that last point!)

While they are wondering all of these things, we move into chapter 8 and read these great words: “God remembered Noah.”

In the midst of their wondering and worrying, God remembered them. While they were going about their daily tasks with uncertainty of the future, God was remembering them and working things out for their good.

I doubt that Noah and his family knew that God was blowing a wind over the earth and causing the waters to subside until the ark came to rest on the top of Mount Ararat. But, all of a sudden, while going about the same chores that they had each been doing for the last 5 months, the boat stopped moving. The rocking of the ship, which they had gotten so used to, ceased. God had remembered them! There was hope!

But notice that verse 5 tells us that the waters continued to abate for another 3 months, and only then could they see the tops of the mountains. God had remembered them, but they were still stuck on the ark for another 3 months! And even then, they only saw the tops of mountains! Would this miserable experience never end?!?!

We haven’t experienced a global flood, but sometimes this quarantine and self-isolation feels like it will go on forever. Honestly, I miss gathering together as a church. I miss singing worship music with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I miss going out to stores without having to wear a mask. I miss giving and receiving hugs. Sometimes, like Noah and his family, I wonder, “will this ever end?”

But, just like God remembered Noah, God remembers you and me.

The end may be in sight, or it might be several months away. Maybe we are almost done with COVID-19, or maybe we are only seeing the mountain tops, or maybe the waters are just starting to recede. Whatever the case may be, we can continue to go about our lives as they are now: we can continue to serve, worship, work, and spend time with our families, all while resting assured that God remembers us. God is working all things out for the good of those who love Him. God will cause the flood waters to recede. God will provide relief in His timing. We can trust in Him.