Joy In Spite of Great Suffering
Reflection on 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 by Rev. Dr. Lil Smith
Waking up to rising COVID cases, deaths and moving back to the red zone was not what I expected today. My body is weary of the social distancing, the mask rash, and the isolation. Winter is coming, and I fear the solace I have found outside will not be as available. How I have come to depend on that time outside to be freed if my weariness, my sadness, my negative energy.
I find myself very connected to Paul’s church in Thessalonica. My expectations and hopes for the governing body to provide safety, security, and well-being are dashed. It is not what I expected. I can imagine the Apostle Paul asking me, “And why are you surprised, dear one? Your work comes from faith. Your effort comes from love. Your perseverance comes from hope. Where are faith, love, and hope in you today?"
Where are faith, love, and hope in me today?
That is a great question. In the midst of my busyness, I forgot to ask THAT question. Just being invited to consider the question lifts my spirit. I am invited to remember the bigger picture, the way forward, the life-giving hope before me when I choose to see it. My attitude, my focus, my demeanor shifts to be able to see the joy before me in the midst of suffering. All I have to do is to remember to ask the question, and the Holy will do the rest.
So, where are faith, love, and hope in you today?
I can’t wait to hear your answers. Join us for any of our offerings at Retreat House. We hold space for faith, love, and hope to emerge.
Listen to Rev. Dr. Lil Smith's Guided Meditation for Praying the Lectionary for 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10.
Invitation
As you experience the practice of praying the lectionary, adopt a loving, caring and compassionate stance. If the end of your prayer and meditation time is not pointing to love and hope, there is more work to do. Keep wrestling. God is faithful to your journey. Love and hope will emerge. Be gentle with yourself and befriend any judgment that arises in you.
This excerpt was taken from a weekly meditation. To sign up to receive these, email us.
"So that we may live lives worthy of the Lord and please God in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God."
- Rooted in Colossians 1:10
Lil Smith is a spiritual director and supervisor. She is also the founding director of Retreat House.