Today's readings: Ps 18:1-20, 147:12-20, Amos 4:6-13, 2 Peter 3:11-18, Matt 21:33-46
Attend church regularly for a sufficient length of time, and you will undoubtedly encounter the following scenario: a regular attendee will disappear for an extended period of time; when this person returns he or she will explain the absence by claiming life had become difficult, or complicated, or troubled . Does it really make sense for us to abandon what is often the center of our spiritual life as a response to tough times?
Church is not the only place we might find peace or solace, but what does it say about our relationship to that community if we actively avoid it when we struggle? Perhaps our community is not really a place where we can bring our authentic selves. If everyone in church appears to be happy all the time, that’s a bad sign. Christians often feel pressured to present themselves to each other as having shiny, carefree lives. To be pleasant rather than real. They often feel hardship is a sign their faith is lacking. They may feel these ways because their churches encourage these ideas. The truth is very different. God promises to be with us during difficult times, but not to save us from all difficulties. If the culture at your church is uncomfortable with personal adversity, or if every group decision results in a unanimous vote, it needs an injection of reality.
On the other hand, the problem may lie within ourselves. Amos recounts how the people of Israel failed to return to God, despite famine, drought and plagues. If we turn to God only when things are easy or going our way, it’s time to re-examine our faith. The author of Psalm 18 knew many hardships, and had no delusions the world was anything but difficult and dangerous, yet through it all he relied on God. Faith that evaporates because we struggle is no faith at all.
Whether the problem resides in our community, our hearts or both, each of us is responsible for returning to God and offering and accepting authentic lives: the pain, the joy, and everything in between. Is your return in any way past due?
Comfort: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer” - Ps 18:2
Challenge: Consciously expand your awareness of friends, family, co-workers and church members who are struggling. Be present for them.
Prayer: God of Hope, thank you for being with me even in difficulty.
Evening reading: Ps 126, 62
Discussion Question (reply in comments):
When times are tough, are you more or less likely to reach out to God and/or your community?
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