Good morning…
I admire my husband who, about every three weeks, writes a devotional message for The Lovett School community, where he has been chaplain for over twenty-five years. I think this week’s message is one of my favorites. I am hoping you might agree.
******
Chaplain Devotional for September 27th, 2022 by Steve Allen based on Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 • Amos 6:1a, 4-7, Psalm 146 • 1 Timothy 6:6-19 • Luke 16:19-31
So often the topics we write about in these devotionals concern suffering, pain, tragedy and loss. That’s because, as Spanish philosopher Miguel de Unamuno has said, so much of life is tragedy. But, what are you supposed to do when life is going well? Perhaps you have found yourself thinking, as you read these each week, “does every devotional have to be so down in the mouth.” If so, then this week’s devotional is for you. This week’s reflections are for those of you who are in a time of blessing and peace; who are experiencing a time of comfort and ease; whose kids are in a happy and healthy place; who love your houses, your friends, your jobs and have nothing that is bringing you down. This week’s devotional is for those of you who are not dealing with busted relationships or busted water pipes, financial loss or the loss of a loved one. This week’s Bible readings are addressed to those who are experiencing much of the goodness life has to offer. I was struck by the encouragement and caution this week’s texts offer for those who find themselves in just such a place. Consider the following:
If things are going well for you, take time to lift up a prayer of praise. Perhaps you might pause even now as you are reading this and do so. Psalm 146:1-2
If you are healthy and whole right now, remember to be empathetic and grieve with those who are grieving. Amos 6:4-6
If you are in a place where you have much of what you could have ever hoped for, remember to “be content” rather than always wanting more. 1 Tim 6:8
If you are in a secure place in your life, be humble about this moment not getting caught up in the pride that can come from being in such a position. 1 Tim 6:17
If you are in a place of “richness”, set your hope on God, not on those riches to provide continued meaning for your life. 1 Tim 6:17
If you are in a place of plenty, remember to look for ways to share that with others. “…be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share.” 1 Tim 6:18
If you are blessed with many of the comforts life has to offer, you are called to bless and comfort those who are not as fortunate.
Luke 16:19-31
Not every moment in our lives is filled with tragedy. Sometimes we find ourselves feeling blessed and full of good fortune. If that is where you are right now, I will close with these words from 1 Timothy, calling us, in our abundance, to continue to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.”
May God be with us all this week, whether we’re in a place of sadness and grief or blessings and peace.
******
Including sunny, breezy, joyous seasons and ugly, stormy, hurricane-like times… Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble (Proverbs 17:17, MSG).
…Sue…
