The Daily Devotional
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Seeking Good in the Shadows of Loss
Seek good and not evil, that you may live. (Amos 5:14a)
Introduction
"Seek good and not evil, that you may live..." (Amos 5:14a).
This simple yet profound call from the prophet Amos resonates with a timeless urgency. It invites us to deeply contemplate what it means to actively pursue what is good in the face of life’s inevitable challenges and tragedies.
Reflection
The journey of seeking good amidst the vast landscape of life's adversities is often marked by the pain of our past experiences. For those who have endured the heartbreak of losing a loved one, like a mother, to cancer, this scripture offers a poignant reminder. The sudden thrust into homelessness as a teenager following such a profound loss can feel like wandering through a relentless storm, where seeking good seems not only challenging but, at times, nearly impossible.
Imagine a young person, let's call them Jordan, who faced the bleak reality of homelessness at the tender age of sixteen after their mother’s death. Each day, Jordan faced uncertainties that many of us can scarcely imagine—where to find the next meal, where to sleep safely, and how to continue schooling. Yet, in this wilderness of sorrow and instability, Jordan discovered the essence of Amos's call.
During this turbulent time, Jordan met Mrs. Thompson, a volunteer at a local shelter who embodied the scripture from Amos. She didn’t just provide meals; she offered encouragement, stability, and a listening ear. Through her kindness, Jordan began to see glimmers of good in a world that had seemed overwhelmingly dark. Mrs. Thompson, by embodying the goodness that Amos speaks about, became a beacon of hope and a tangible example of seeking and finding good amid evil.
Application
For each of us, the application of this scripture is as personal as it is transformative. Seeking good is not merely about avoiding wrongdoing. It is an active, daily pursuit that involves recognizing opportunities to bring light into our own lives and the lives of others, just as Mrs. Thompson did for Jordan. It's about making choices that align with kindness, justice, and mercy, regardless of our circumstances.
Conclusion
The challenge from Amos to seek good and not evil is particularly resonant for those who have faced great losses. It compels us to look beyond our immediate pain and to contribute to the goodness in the world, thereby finding healing and purpose in our own journeys.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, when all seems lost in our darkest hours, remind us of Your steadfast presence and Your call to seek good in all circumstances. Grant us the strength to pursue goodness, even when shadows loom large. Help us to be agents of Your love and light, following in the footsteps of those who have illuminated our paths in times of despair. May we find life and hope in You as we strive to enact Your will in the world. Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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