Goodness Abounds

10/22/2020

Step #1: Lectio / Read

Click the link below or open your Bible to the passage and read through the reading at least once, paying attention to what is happening in the text.

PSalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19

Step #2: Meditatio / Meditate

Use the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).

“2020 sucks.” “2020 is a dumpster fire.” “I wish we could just pretend this year hasn’t happened.”

How often have we said these things in the last 7 months? How often have we had conversations about them? How many of us feel like it should still be March instead of October?

“The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.”

Today’s psalm was meant for 2020. The Lord knew that you and I would be reading it today, towards the end of a year that we had no idea we would ever experience. A pandemic is raging the world, racial injustice abounds in our cities, an election is further dividing our country. If you told me one of these things would happen in 2020, I might not have believed you, and yet this is where we are. All these things are happening, and yet today we proclaim, “The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.”

So what is good? Last week, I had dinner with a friend, and she mentioned that she is trying to look back and see unexpected blessings in each day, week, or month. Things that never would have happened, except the pandemic made that happen. The example she used was that she never realized seeing baseball on TV (not even in beautiful Wrigley Field Home of the Chicago Cubs) brought her so much joy she cried. The one for that day was we ate dinner outside, freezing in a tent while a German band played Sound of Music songs on cowbells, and it was awesome (had there been no pandemic, we would have been eating inside like normal people and nor freezing).

So much good has happened this year, and we can’t overlook it. Yes, there are hardships. Yes, it is ok and very important to grieve all the things this year we have lost (graduations, weddings, jobs, loved ones), grieving is an important step. We need to recognize what we have lost, but we also need to remember that the Lord is good.

The Lord is walking through these trials with us, He is present every step of the way. The last verse of the psalm is especially striking:

But see, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,
upon those who hope for his kindness,
To deliver them from death
and preserve them in spite of famine.

The eyes of the Lord are on us. He is calling us forward even during this difficulty. Despite all these things, the Lord is still good. Will you respond to Him?

Step #3: Oratio / Pray

These questions are to be used to talk to God; have a conversation with the Lord about these questions and what is going on in your heart as you pray today.

Where do I see goodness right now?

How can I spread joy and goodness in the remainder of this year?

How am I responding to the Lord's goodness and blessings this year?

Step #4: Contemplatio / Contemplate

In this step, you listen. Stop talking, let God speak to your heart. You may repeat one of these short phrases to focus your mind on the Lord.

"The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord."

"God is still good."

"Blessings abound."

Step #5: Actio / Act

In this step, you listen. Stop talking, let God speak to your heart. You may repeat one of these short phrases to focus your mind on the Lord.

Think of one blessing that has taken place this day, one that has taken place this past week, one that has taken place this past month, and one that has taken place this year.

Smartphone Lock Screen

The following image is here for you to save and use as a background or lock screen on your smartphone or device to help you carry today's Lectio Divina with you the rest of the day.

Today's prayer was prepared by Lisa Majernik, a non-profit worker who lives with her husband and puppy in central Illinois.

If you have anything you'd like our team to pray for, please go to the page of our website called "Prayers" and let us know how we can pray for you today.

CARPE VERBUM