Simply Soul Searching

MONDAY, MARCH 21ST
A TIME OF COMFORT

As we sit with Jesus today, we envision that we are sitting with other disciples, all of us eager to hear his words of comfort. Jesus extends his hands as a gesture of blessing and says,

I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. (John 14:16-20, NRSV)

“I will not leave you orphaned.” How does this comfort your soul today? Are there feelings of loneliness or isolation, a sense of being all on your own? Could you use a helper, an encourager, a listening friend? What qualities of a loving parent could you use most today? Sit with Jesus in gratitude, because he will always be someone you can trust, someone on whom you can rely, someone you will always have with you.

Reflection:

My daily reflections and journaling have helped me notice how much God moves – around me and within me. I look back to entries from months ago and find thoughts, conversations, or incidents that prepared me for what was to come. I see recurring messages or patterns that invited me to pay attention. I discover how prayers had been answered, not always as I had expected or as clearly as I had anticipated. Through the Spirit, God was always there. I may not have recognized God’s movements at the time, but my journal has gifted me with recorded moments that prove I have never been alone.

Our comfort today comes from having this Advocate that Jesus promised. We are never alone. We are always being watched over, directed from within, spoken to in our dreams. When we need the loving help of a friend and guide, the Advocate is here with us. We may only hear a whisper, or feel the slightest nudge, or notice a tiny moment. But if we pay attention, we will always know that we have never been left as orphans.

Christ lives in us, and we live in Christ. Forever united. Never alone.

Photo by Davide Cantelli on Unsplash
Bible verses from https://www.biblegateway.com/

FRIDAY, MARCH 18TH
A TIME OF BLESSING

Today is Friday, our time of blessing! We gather with Jesus to hear the third of his “Blessed are…” from what we know as the Beatitudes. Jesus says,

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

His words are similar to Psalm 37:11, “The meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.” How does this blessing uplift you today? How would you describe meekness? Do you see meekness as a weakness at times? How might meekness be a strength in your life?

Reflection:

I found this explanation from https://www.gotquestions.org/ helpful for today’s blessing:

The Greek word translated “meek” is praeis and refers to mildness, gentleness of spirit, or humility… Meekness is humility toward God and toward others. It is having the right or the power to do something but refraining for the benefit of someone else. Paul urged meekness when he told us “to live a life worthy of the calling [we] have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:1-2).¹

Meekness is not being timid out of fear or doubt, but is instead being humble, gentle, and mild, out of the strength, love, and power of Christ.

And what about inheriting the earth? I found this explanation helpful, too. Dr. Michael A. Milton writes,

…when Jesus says that the meek inherit the earth He is affirming that salvation is a holistic term. We are saved in this life. We are saved at the moment of our death… and we are saved when we come to reign with Christ Jesus in a new heaven and a new earth. I believe that there is even more. We are saved in our personhood — our very humanity. To inherit the earth for me right now means to be given strength to face the disease that has afflicted me. To inherit the earth is to know the fullness of love and companionship with my wife and family. To inherit the earth is to know friendship based on love and respect rather than what one can do for me. To inherit the earth is to be at peace with God.² 

Each time we set aside our own self-interest to foster the interests of others, each time we define our personal success by promoting the success of others, and each time we use our individual rights to obtain the rights of others, we are the meek. And we are the blessed meek, for we inherit the joys of kingdom living right here and now, as we dwell together in love – for God and for all.

¹https://www.gotquestions.org/blessed-are-the-meek.html
²https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/how-is-it-that-the-meek-shall-inherit-the-earth.html

Photo by John Ramsdin on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/

THURSDAY, MARCH 17TH
A TIME OF SHARED STRUGGLE

Today we will learn of another struggle Jesus had, a frustration that we often share and understand. Jesus sits quietly for a moment, smiling knowingly to himself, and then begins…

While everyone was amazed at all that I was doing, I said to my disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands.” But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was concealed from them, so that they could not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask me about this saying.
An argument arose among them as to which one of them was the greatest. But I, aware of their inner thoughts, put a little child by my side and said to them, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all of you is the greatest.” (Luke 9:43b-48, NRSV, revised*)

Think about his words for a few moments. When have you felt misunderstood, or discounted, or even ignored? Have you ever been frustrated as you tried to warn, enlighten, or advise someone, only to be disregarded? Now think about yourself… have there been times when you missed the point, or misunderstood someone? Have you ever thought to yourself, this doesn’t apply to me, because I am smarter, wiser, more mature, more cautious…? How do you sense your mentor teaching you today?

Reflection:

Here the disciples seem to miss what Jesus is trying to tell them about his future betrayal; instead, their excitement about his successes led them to their own visions of grandeur. They were busy focusing on their own pursuits, their quest for greatness, their desire to be part of his success, instead of listening to his words of warning. The disciples were too distracted and – as Jesus mentions – too afraid to consider the truth of what he was saying.

Today I sadly think of the many stories of people who, on their death beds, implored their loved ones to wear masks or be vaccinated. They deeply regretted that they did not take the recommended precautions or listen to medical advice. Perhaps they believed that they were strong enough or young enough to endure the virus. I remember my own frustration with friends who disregarded or doubted the recommendations, and our sadness of losing some of them.

But I am also aware of those times when I have discounted or ignored some good advice. Recently my sister suggested that I back my car a little farther out from her driveway before turning onto the road. I was certain that I had plenty of room, that my car was smaller than she realized, and that she didn’t know how sharply I could turn. I knew what I was doing!

And I promptly drove onto her lawn. (Sorry, Janet!)

Jesus’s example of becoming like a small child is especially meaningful for me today. Do I trust Jesus with a childlike trust, listening not only for good news but also for correction? Do I trust that his words of caution are like a loving parent for his child – or do I mistakenly assume that I know better? Does my pride keep me from being willing to become the least?

How blessed we are to be children of God. We are beloved, we are embraced, we are forgiven, in all of those times when we miss the point. Jesus continued to journey with the disciples, continued to repeat his warnings and his lessons, and continued to love, instruct, and serve them. This mentor will continue to do the same for us, perfecting and correcting us, while generously and unfailingly loving us all the way.

*The name of Jesus and his pronouns have been adapted by Karen into first-person.

Photo by Micaela Parente on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16TH
A TIME OF INSTRUCTION

As we come for our time of instruction today, Jesus invites us to dim the room and light a candle, if we have one. He then shares these words of wisdom.

You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16, NRSV)

Look at the candle and reflect on his words. Who has been a light for you in your life? How does it feel to hear Jesus call you “the light of the world”? In what ways are you sometimes tempted to hide your light? Who may need your light today? What type of light might be needed?

Reflection:

On a recent warm evening, my three-year-old granddaughter and I sat on the front porch steps under the night sky. Looking around, she noticed that some of the nearby garden lights were not shining, so we took a few inside to check them with her toy medical instruments. We “doctors” discovered that these lights had not absorbed enough of the sunlight’s solar energy to shine brightly. A few surrounding bushes had obstructed the sun’s rays that day.

These words of instruction from Jesus remind us to shine brightly with the light of God’s love. Our good works will help others “give glory to the Father in heaven.” Today, I find that the solar-powered garden lights provide a simple lesson: absorbing the light of God’s love enables our own lights to shine and empowers us for good works. Putting our lights under a bushel would only cause them to diminish. And, as our lights shine, others can absorb this light of love, and then shine with glory for God themselves.

While I was reflecting and writing this post, I brewed a cup of tea and was so surprised to find this thought on the tea tag: It is the light in the lantern which shows you the path, not the lantern. What a timely coincidence, a God-moment for me! Receiving the guiding light of God helps to inspire us with hope for the path ahead. Absorbing the gently illuminating light of God enables us to quietly listen and softly encourage. Taking in the warm glow of God’s light strengthens us to welcome with genuine hospitality. Embracing the piercing light of God allows us to serve with clarity of purpose.

How does your light shine? With God’s love as our source, we can become a bright headlamp, a gentle candle, a moonlight reflection, a warm fire, or a strong spotlight. Our lights will adjust with God’s perfect power and intensity according to the needs of others.

May our lights so shine.

Photo by Vladimir Fedotov on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/

TUESDAY, MARCH 15TH
A TIME FOR A STORY

Today we come to Jesus for our Tuesday parable. Jesus rubs his chin, deep in thought, remembering a moment. He then begins to speak to us…

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to me. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

So I told them this parable: “Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. (Luke 15:1-7, NRSV revised*)

Reflect on this story for a few minutes. Where do you belong in this story – do you feel like the shepherd today, or the sheep, or the friends and neighbors? Are you concerned for someone who seems lost these days? Do you feel lost yourself? Or are you feeling as I am, longing for community after this pandemic, to gather in joy with friends? What might Jesus be telling you at this time?

Reflection:

Have you ever felt inwardly glad when others “got what they deserved”? Or felt resentful when others “got away with something”? Asking for a friend… 😉

Yes, I was convicted of these shortcomings as I reflected on this story. I can easily forget the grace and mercy that have been shown to me, as I stand in the middle of a well-behaved flock wondering why the one who went astray is getting all the attention. I can quickly become prideful or arrogant, as I question why heaven rejoices for the one who caused all the worry and work instead of those who followed the rules.

As I stand in the fold judging the lost sheep, questioning the fairness of Jesus, I suddenly see that I am the one who is lost. I am the one who can be apt to quickly judge, seek retribution, or desire recognition. Some sheep get lost out of innocence or ignorance; I can get lost when I know better.

And yet today, my mentor Jesus tells me that we are all important to him. His message is for all of us: We are his beloved. Whether we are the seeker, or the lost, or the flock, we can gain new perspectives from this story. At any time, we could be the one to seek the lost. We could be the one who is relieved to know we are being sought. We could be part of a faithful community, ready to rejoice at another’s homecoming.

We can be grateful that, wherever we stand in the story, Jesus is always leading us home.

Photo by Bill Fairs on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/

*The name of Jesus and his pronouns have been adapted by Karen into first-person.

MONDAY, MARCH 14TH
A TIME OF COMFORT

As many of us begin a new work week we wonder what words of comfort Jesus will have for us today. We settle next to him, eagerly listening for his next insight. Jesus leans toward us, extends his open hands, and says,

Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30, NRSV)

Even though these words are familiar, we are blessed to hear them again. Today, are you physically weary, perhaps from a restless night or a busy weekend? Or are you spiritually and emotionally spent, out of worry and concern for yourself or others? Are you carrying a heavy burden or two (or three)? What would you like to bring to Jesus today? Spend a few moments sharing your struggles and burdens; he is listening.

Reflection:

Here is mentoring at its core: Take my yoke upon you. Back in Jesus’s time, when students chose a rabbi to follow, “Taking the yoke of the rabbi reflected a disciple’s willing submission and adherence to his chosen rabbi’s interpretation and application of the Old Testament Scriptures.”¹

So here, Jesus invited his followers to learn from him, to hear his new teachings and interpretations of ancient and sacred writings. Jesus saw beyond all of the Old Testament holiness rituals and rules to give us one: Love God and love one another. Oh, this command to love can be challenging at times! But we are freed of the burden of following the 600+ laws that the Pharisees had in place.

Through Jesus our rabbi, we are also freed of the burden of rule-keeping for our salvation; instead, our obedience can grow out of gratitude, love, and trust. Jesus even went on to say that he is “gentle and humble in heart,” not strict, harsh, and unforgiving. His words of comfort can soothe and encourage our weary souls!

If anyone knows about the wearying burdens and hardships that life brings, it’s Jesus. Today, taking on the yoke of Christ means that we can let go of the reigns and let his Spirit guide our daily living. Doing so can bring our genuine rest because we are entrusting our days to the expert. We can carry what we do well – and entrust what he can do best.

In this, we will find true rest for our souls.

¹https://www.discipledaily.org/yoke-of-the-rabbi/
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/

FRIDAY, MARCH 11TH
A TIME OF BLESSING

What Friday blessing will we receive from Jesus today? We envision ourselves gazing into his warm and compassionate eyes, waiting for a good word. Jesus pauses for a moment, then quietly says to us,

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4, NRSV)

Take a few moments to sit in the silence of his tender, caring presence.

If we reflect quietly for a while, our hearts may reveal many reasons to mourn. In recent years, loss has been all around us and often close to us. Are you grieving for someone today? Grief can also surprise us years later, when a moment or a memory suddenly reminds of someone dear. Of those loved ones who have passed on, whom do you miss most? In what way might you need to be comforted today? Envision Jesus listening and caring for you. Pour out your heart and let Jesus fill it with the soothing, healing comfort of God.

Reflection:

Grief and mourning are all around us. Today I am thinking of the people of Ukraine, the loved ones lost from the pandemic, the other stories of tragedy and sorrow we hear on the news each day. Jesus’s words of assurance are desperately needed and greatly appreciated.

What are the ways we receive the comfort of God when we mourn?

It may feel premature to bring up resurrection during Lent, but we certainly find great comfort in this, don’t we? While we mourn the loved ones we have lost, we can trust Jesus’s assurance that we will be comforted – because while we await the resurrection, Jesus has already experienced it. We can know that our time apart from our loved ones is a temporary time and we will one day be reunited forever.

The comfort of God is shared through the kindness of comforting people, too. We can be conduits of God’s comfort for one another, through listening, caring, serving, tending, remembering, and encouraging. Paul’s words remind us that in our pain we will receive the comfort of God – so that we in turn may console others:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ.  (2 Corinthians 1:3-5, NRSV)

My comfort also comes by regarding death as an expansion more than a loss. Jesus promised and sent his spirit after he had gone from our midst, and I like to think that our loved ones are with us in a similar way. Our loved ones remain in our hearts and in our memories, but they are also present in our love, our peace, our joy. I feel that their presence is forever with us, perhaps even more intimately than before.

In our sorrow, we may not be cheerful, but we can be hopeful. We may be raw, broken, lost, and incredibly sad, but we can feel the love of God with us in the mess. We may be struggling to make it through this day, but we can trust that a new and better day will come. God will keep transforming our grief with gifts of comfort, hope, peace, and – always – love.

See, the home of God is among mortals.
He will dwell with them;
they will be his peoples,
and God himself will be with them;
he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
for the first things have passed away.
(Revelation 21:3-4, NRSV)

Photo by Claire Kelly on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/

THURSDAY, MARCH 10TH
A TIME OF SHARED STRUGGLES

Today we come to hear another of Jesus’s struggles, and we may be surprised by this story – an exchange he has with his own mother…

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and my mother was there. My disciples and I had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, my mother said to me, “They have no wine.” And I said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” My mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. I said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. I said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.” So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.” (John 2:1-10 NRSV, revised*)

As you sit in silence with Jesus at your side, you may recall times when you were expected to do something even as you felt inadequate, unprepared, or unwilling. Are there any expectations of you today that you would rather not do or be? Are you feeling called to do something, but the time doesn’t feel right? Do you wish to be free of certain demands that others have placed on you? How does Jesus’s experience give you new insight?

Reflection:

As I revisit this story, I notice two things. Mary, the mother of Jesus, seems to ignore his admonition to mind her own business, as well as his explanation that it was not yet his time to answer her request. Initially Mary’s words and actions seem quite insensitive and even rude, but could it be that she recognized an opportunity to encourage Jesus (as mothers like to do)? And when she speaks to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you,” she is leaving Jesus with the final decision. Jesus could have easily told the servants to let the situation be.

I also notice that after Jesus corrects Mary, he accepts her premature request. He makes his point, takes a moment to help her understand his purpose, then looks to the stone jugs of water and finds a solution to the problem. Jesus humbly accepts Mary’s invitation to help the bridegroom. In doing so, Jesus begins to reveal more of who he is.

In our shared struggles with Jesus, he understands the feeling we have when we are asked, invited, challenged, or directed when it is “not yet our time.” Our response to these moments can become more discerning through his example. There are times when we can make our concerns or preferences known without the need to balk, protest, or refuse to comply. There are times when we might first look around for a solution before we decline to help. There are times when we can recognize that these interruptions or invitations may actually align with God’s timing.

Maybe today Jesus is encouraging us to, “Go ahead. Give it a try.” Maybe our humble acceptance of an invitation is an opportunity for him to reveal more of who we are, too.

For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. (Ephesians 2:10, NRSV)

Photo by Aron Visuals on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/

*The name of Jesus and his pronouns have been adapted by Karen into first-person.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9TH
A TIME OF INSTRUCTION

As we come to Jesus for our time of Wednesday instruction, our mentor revisits a familiar teaching, but one we will never tire of hearing. We lean closer, hoping to hear it anew…

Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:7-11 NRSV)

What an incredible instruction this is. We have already received abundant blessings from God, and now Jesus is instructing us to ask, search, and knock for more. What would you like to ask for today? What are you searching for? Where would you like a door to open? Spend some quiet time with Jesus as you ponder these questions.

Reflection:

So often I hesitate to ask God for my own specific requests, because my prayers feel greedy (I have already been given so much), unnecessary (God knows our inmost being), short-sighted (God’s perfect will is better than my requests), or – dare I admit this? – futile (when fervent prayers don’t bring desired outcomes). My prayers then can become fairly generic, as I limit my requests and ask for such things as basic guidance, God’s will to be done, or “our daily bread”. And honestly, that seems to be more than enough.

But in this passage, Jesus instructs us to ask. He encourages us to search. He assures us to go ahead and knock. He shows us that God wants to hear our prayers, our deepest longings, our dreams, our hopes. Jesus also knows that when we articulate our deepest desires through prayer, we not only open ourselves to a greater inner awareness, but we then discover how often God does move and work in our lives.

Jesus goes on to say that God knows best how to bless us. We can pray freely and imperfectly, trusting that God will sift through our requests and give us what is GOOD. In this we find another good gift – the gift of deeper faith – as we see how our requests were answered in even greater ways than we could imagine.

When we ask, search, and knock, we will receive, find, and be answered – always with the generous, loving presence of God.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/