Simply Soul Searching

Sunday, December 5th

Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—
    in peace because they trust in you.
Trust in the Lord forever,
    for in the Lord God
    you have an everlasting rock.
Isaiah 26:3-4 (NRSV)

Light the first candle of Hope and the second candle of Peace.

As I was looking up Bible verses about peace, I was surprised by this one, in which Jesus is telling his disciples:
I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!
~ John 16:33 (NRSV)

In the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible (the one I generally use), the word, persecution, surprised me. I had always recalled the verse as, “in the world you face tribulation.” So I began looking up other meanings in various translations, and also found trouble, suffering, both trouble and suffering together, and in my Greek to English translation, affliction. The variety of meanings blessed me with this thought: whether our trials come from persecution from others (ill-treatment, hostility, or harassment), or from trials and tribulations (concerns, misfortunes, burdens), or from our afflictions (pains, sufferings, hardships), Jesus is our peace.

Light the Christ candle.

Jesus overcomes every trouble of the world. Note that he does not say, “In the world you won’t have any more persecution.” In this world, troubles remain, but always the infinite peace of Christ can help us through them. The peace of Christ will overcome each trouble by healing our heartaches, soothing our hurts, clearing our tensions, quieting our fears, and always promising a better and brighter day.

How will we glow with the gentle peace of Christ this week? How will we light the way for those who need peace for their days? Let’s use our senses to remain attentive to the peace of Christ around and within us. Let’s use our favorite spiritual practices to enable God to fill us with peace. Our own peacefulness will deepen as we recognize and remember that we are never alone, no matter what troubles we face. May we each become rays of peace this week, as we sense and absorb the peace of Christ, then shimmer with that peace for others.

A Definition Prayer: Peace

God-With-Us,
Hush my frantic thoughts as I seek your peace in quietude and silence.
Calm my anxious spirit as I feel your peace in stillness and restfulness.
Ease my needless cares as I find your peace in contentment and serenity.
Hold my fearful worries as I receive your peace in comfort and security.
Release my self-centered concerns as I share your peace through harmony and goodwill.
Amen.

Photo by Melissa Askew on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/

Friday, December 3rd
(HANDS)

Because your steadfast love is better than life,
    my lips will praise you…
for you have been my help,
    and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.
My soul clings to you;
    your right hand upholds me.
~ Psalm 63:3,7-8 (NRSV)

Do not fear, for I am with you,
    do not be afraid, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
~ Isaiah 41:10 (NRSV)

Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful.  ~ Hebrews 10:23

What is that one thing which will keep us through all turns in life is our hope. Cling to that hope. ~ Garima Dixit

I fondly remember the childhood bedtimes when my younger sister Janet would ask me to hold her hand in the darkness. Her nighttime fears diminished when I reached out to cling to her hand. She could then peacefully sleep, knowing I was near – and she was not alone. Even though I was just a child myself, I found joy in being able to reassure and comfort my little sister. Now as adults, we live miles apart and have our own busy lives and families. But in times of trial or worry, we continue to cling to each other through texts, calls, and prayers. Our fears and concerns are eased by the sharing of our burdens, by the caring of our companionship.  

I like to think that God also finds joy in reassuring and comforting us in the darkness of our fears and worries. God’s promise to Isaiah speaks of that reassurance and hope: Do not fear, I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God. God wants to help us, to hold us, to fill us with hope – as we cling to God’s presence in Christ.   

Our hope in Christ does not mean we will avoid trials or hardships, but that we can trust him to be our caring companion, our helper, for every path we travel. We will face and endure the difficulties together, holding fast to each other. We will journey with him through our present darkness, one step at a time, until a new dawn appears.   

Today let’s carry a small token to remind us of our hope in Christ – such as a penny, a cross, a stone, or a rosary. Let’s be mindful to grasp this item throughout the day, and let it serve to remind us of the One in whom we hope, the One who is with us always, and the One who never leaves us alone.

Cling. What hope will you find as you hold fast to Christ today?

Prayer: Jesus, our companion for all of life, help me to be aware of the nearness of your hope-filled presence today. As I cling to you, enable me to release all that is not from you, so that I may receive all that is. May your abiding presence also fill my soul with the hope that encourages, reassures, and comforts others who may be feeling alone in the darkness. Amen.

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

Thursday, December 2nd
(NOSE)

Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being. ~ Genesis 2:7

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, Jesus breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” ~ John 20:21-22

Every breath is a resurrection. ~ Gregory Orr

I am so fortunate to be able to breathe easily. I have heard of the very difficult and often frightening challenges faced by friends who have asthma or other respiratory troubles. One time as a child, I fell on my chest and had the “wind knocked out of me.” There were a few panicked moments when I could not draw my much-needed breath back into my lungs.

And for all of us, aren’t there times when we feel as if life has knocked the wind out of us? Yes, we are still breathing, but we wonder when we will be able to breathe freely, without worry or fear or dread or pain. We may find ourselves holding our breath as we await the possibility of bad news; we may gasp for air as we are overcome with exhaustion from immense challenges; or we may choke on our sobs in times of grief and sorrow. We feel as though we are lacking that breath of hope that gives us life in abundance.

Our Advent hope for today is found in knowing that God, through Jesus and the Spirit, will continue to breathe into us. The Spirit will breathe into us enough life, strength, patience, comfort – and hope – for the next moment, one breath at a time. Through all of our struggles and discomforts, the breath of life will continue to blow, every breath will offer a resurrection into new life. And in that moment when we breathe our last earthly breath, we will breathe in the new life of our complete and eternal resurrection. Hope is abundantly given to us with every breath we take.

As we think of this God-given, life-giving breath, I am reminded of the month after Jim’s heart surgery, when he was instructed to blow into an incentive spirometer to keep his lungs open and clear. Blowing out kept his lungs strong, ensured that his lungs would draw in more air, and prevented pneumonia. This provides another meaningful example for us: the more we learn to release and expend any of our pent-up air of worries or fears or anger, the more the Spirit is able to fully replenish us with the fresh air of goodness and love.

Today let’s take a few deep breaths throughout the day and imagine breathing in God. Thank God for the air we breathe, for each little resurrection, perhaps even for a scent or aroma that brings hope.

Breathe. How will you feel the breath of hope filling your soul today?

Prayer: God of all life, open my soul to breathe deeply of your goodness and hope today. Keep me from taking your breath of life for granted; keep me mindful of your presence. As I breathe in your hope-filled Spirit, fill me fully and freshly with the hope that may be shared with others today. Amen.

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com

Wednesday, December 1st
(MOUTH)

Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. ~ Ephesians 4:29

Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11

A positive statement propels hope toward a better future, it builds up your faith and that of others, and it promotes change. ~ Jan Dargatz

Few things in the world are more powerful than a positive push – a smile. A word of optimism and hope, a ‘you can do it!’ when things are tough. ~ Richard M. DeVos

There are numerous stories of those remarkable times when a simple encouraging word made a great difference in someone’s life. Words of encouragement can serve as one shining light for another’s path, one small nudge toward a better direction, one gentle reminder of one’s goodness and potential. Some of my memorable ones are: “You are a good daughter” (after I had been in trouble). “I would keep this paper if I were you – it is excellent” (from an 8^th grade English teacher). “I will make you cancer-free” (from my dear oncologist).

One of my favorite ways to share encouragement is to pass along uplifting words that I have heard others say about someone. My pastor had expressed his appreciation for Joe, the helpful employee at our local grocery store. The next time I saw Joe, I shared what I had heard about him, how my pastor was so grateful for his helpful spirit. Joe’s face lit up with a smile as he almost incredulously asked, “Really?” I could tell this brightened his day. We are encouraged when people tell us the good qualities they see in us, but even more so when we learn that they are talking about our good qualities with others! To discover that we are being remembered and appreciated, even in our absence, makes a powerful and positive impact.   

Today, let’s be mindful of opportunities to speak words of encouragement to others, to give them hope by sharing our hope in them and for them; to share the hope we have in Christ for new beginnings and fresh starts.

Speak. Who might need your words of hope and encouragement today?

Prayer: God of all hopefulness, keep me mindful for opportunities to speak a word of hope for others. Guide my words to be uplifting, kind, encouraging. Show me who may need a shining light toward a brighter future, a nudge to pursue a dream, or a reminder of one’s goodness and potential. May my words reveal the hopeful presence of Christ for all who need to hear and know today. Amen.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
Bible verses are taken from https://www.biblegateway.com

Tuesday, November 30th
(EARS)

The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah a second time, while he was still confined in the court of the guard: Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it—the Lord is his name: Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.
~ Jeremiah 33:1-3 (NRSV)

In the stillness of the quiet, if we listen, we can hear the whisper of the heart giving strength to weakness, courage to fear, hope to despair. ~ Howard Thurman

The birds of hope are everywhere, listen to them sing. ~ Terri Guillemets

Jeremiah was a prophet who spoke both words of warning (before the fall of Jerusalem) and words of hope (during the Babylonian exile) to the people of Judah. Jeremiah is known for his reluctance to answer God’s call to serve as a prophet because he felt discouraged and incapable. In this passage from chapter 33, God promises the imprisoned Jeremiah that God will reveal the “great and hidden” answers that Jeremiah needs. God continues in the next passages to promise the good things that are to come – giving Jeremiah the encouragement and hope to persevere.

When trying to make difficult decisions, do you ever sense that you have the answer – but it is one that you are reluctant to face – so you continue to seek advice, hoping that someone will affirm you are right, or relieve your guilt, or reassure you that all will be well? I recall the years leading up to my eventual divorce, when my search for direction was a desperate one. There were no easy, happy paths to take, and so I was reluctant to choose any of them. I prayed, read the Bible, journaled, talked with friends, sought counseling, read books – all the while hoping for one clear answer from God.

One quiet night, a sudden and fervent prayer came: “God, I know that whatever happens, I will be okay because you are with me.” A profound feeling of peace overwhelmed me. I did not yet have a clear answer or direction, but I knew that God would be with me and my family, loving and helping us through every step on whatever path lay ahead. That was enough to give me courage and hope for the days to come.

Today, let’s listen for the hope found in the quiet presence of God. Let’s listen, not for answers or directions, but simply to notice that God is with us, loving us, in this very moment. We will be listening for the quiet voice of hope, paying attention to the things we hear – a word that suddenly resonates, a song that touches our heart, a soft sound in the distance, a whisper from our inner soul.

Listen. Where might God be sharing a word of hope for you today?

Prayer: Ever-present God, open my ears to hear all of my reasons for hope today. Keep me aware and attentive so that I may listen well for you, if only to comprehend your infinite yet quiet presence with me. May my quiet spirit become the hopeful presence of Christ, as we enter into the noisy distractions of daily living. Amen.

Photo by Timothy Dykes on Unsplash
Bible verse found at https://www.biblegateway.com

Monday, November 29th
(EYES)

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.  ~ Matthew 7:7-8 (NRSV)

When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart… ~ Jeremiah 29:13 (NRSV)

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. ~ Marcel Proust

A few years ago, we were joking with our son about the way he leaves those little plastic toothpick flossers scattered “conveniently” throughout the house. The next week, I spotted a flosser on my morning walk and teasingly texted him a photo of it. Since that time, I have taken dozens of photos of these flossers; I have been surprised by how many I have found! I would normally have overlooked these small discarded items, but now they have a story behind them – a significance for me – and so I notice them more often.  

Jesus tells us that when we search for the things of God, we will find them. God’s loving presence is being revealed to us all the time, but we aren’t always searching or watching for it. We are distracted by our own expectations, perceptions, and assumptions of what God’s presence should look like and when it should appear. God is with us in this very moment. Are we noticing God’s presence in the ordinary silence or are we waiting for a voice from the heavens? Are we welcoming God’s presence right here and now, or are we waiting for Sunday?   

Today, let’s invite God to keep us aware and open, to notice where our hope can be found – even in the smallest places, even in unexpected moments, even in unlikely people. In doing so, may we radiate a watchful expectancy, bringing a presence of hope into our surroundings. And at the end of our day, may we find that we have been uplifted by our sightings, strengthened in our faith, and filled with an abiding hope that shines for others.

Watch. Where will you see the hope-filled presence of God in Christ today?

Prayer: Ever-present God, open my eyes to see all of my reasons for hope today. Keep me aware and attentive so that I may notice the ways you are moving, guiding, helping, and loving us all. May my spirit carry the hope-filled presence of Christ into every room I enter, for every person I encounter, through every moment of this day. Amen.

Photo by Daniel Lerman on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/

This year’s Advent Reflections will be an opportunity for us to seek and experience more of the presence of Christ through our physical senses (eyes, ears, mouth, nose, and hands). Each weekday, we will reflect on the hope, peace, joy, and love that God in Christ brings, with a short meditation and an invitation to notice each gift more fully with our bodies and senses as we go about our day. Our intention will be twofold. First, we hope to notice and experience Christ’s presence more often. Then, as we carry this awareness and expectation with us, we hope to become visible bearers of the presence of Christ ourselves.

What small differences might we make if we were to carry a certain expectation or spirit with us each day – to begin our day with a special focus, a light to carry with us? I think of different people who change the atmosphere of the moment simply with their presence. A hopeful person encourages and uplifts my countenance. A peaceful person calms my spirit with gentle serenity. A joyful person makes every occasion more celebratory. A loving person gladly welcomes me, making me feel appreciated and special.  

This Advent, may we become visible bearers of bright hopefulness, gentle peacefulness, radiant joyfulness, and tender lovingkindness. May we serve as beacons of the divine Advent light of Christ, radiating his goodness on all we encounter, as we watch and wait – with all of our senses – once again.

(We will begin our Advent Reflections on the First Sunday of Advent, this Sunday, November 28^th. Our Sunday devotions will include the lighting of the candles on an Advent wreath. If you do not have one, you may simply use five candles; one candle each to represent hope, peace, joy, and love, with the Christ candle in the center. There will be additional reflections each weekday. Saturday will serve as a day to reflect on the week, with no meditation provided.)

Photo by D A V I D S O N L U N A on Unsplash