... for Poorer ...
Building momentum together, toning our spiritual core to the theme of consecrating our lives to God, for richer and for poorer.
Almost 30 years ago I made my vows to God, consecrating my life to follow Jesus come what may. Almost 50 years ago, I made my vows to my husband, agreeing to be united to him come what may. In these defining moments, I had no idea how my promises were going to challenge me and change me. This is the fifth post in a series examining traditional wedding vows and applying them to our heavenly marriage.
In case you missed the previous posts, here are the links:
“ … for poorer …”
I have to be honest here, I’ve put off posting this because I’ve never been poor. What do I have to say about poverty? Years ago, I felt this same way when I had the opportunity to travel to Romania and speak to some women’s groups. Just before I left, I was asked if I would also visit a women’s prison and speak to prisoners … about forgiveness. I felt totally out of my league. What could I say to these women, some of whom were in prison for stealing food, about forgiveness?
I just went ahead and trusted God. I hope I shared my message with empathy and that they were blessed by it. I don’t know what it’s like to have to steal food, but I do know a lot about forgiveness. So here goes.
Our promises of fidelity to our spouses runs the gamut from rich to poor, in plenty and in want. And fidelity to God should be the same, if I stand by my decision to follow Jesus, come what may, right?
As I thought about what trusting God in poverty meant, I realized there are very few miracles in the NT concerning food or money. And the ones that are to be found are all a one-time-deal, like feeding the 4,000 or 5,000, turning water into wine, and miraculous catches of fish.
Contrast that with the many miracles of healing disease, raising the dead, etc. I wondered why Jesus never “cured” someone of poverty.
Instead, Matthew 6 teaches us if we trust God and don’t worry, food and clothing will be provided to us. No miracles necessary. There are several passages where Scripture compares our great needs for food and clothing to how God provides for sparrows or birds or ravens. It’s just a matter of fact, a given.
Then there are the passages that tell us we will always have the poor with us. It’s found in Deuteronomy and three places in the New Testament; Matthew 26:11, Mark 14:7, and John 12:8. Unfortunately, there is no surprise in those ancient words that are still true today. Even though we have done so much to expand production with GMO seeds and set up massive programs to feed people, we still have the poor.
Be Surprised by Joy in Want
I’ve never been what I could call “poor.” And I’m thankful for that. I’ve known people who weren’t sure how they were going to get their next meal. I’ve helped them find services and food banks. I’ve given people gift cards and meals. I know enough about their plight to know I would not want to be in that place. You’ll probably agree with me, that it would be surprising to find an impoverished person who was joyful.
James is a surprising book of the Bible with words that rattle our cultural norms.
But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation ...
James 1:9-10 NASB
According to this passage, the poor have ample opportunity in their high position to reap glory while the rich have to glean glory from their infrequent humiliations. True joy is surprising and glorious and that’s the kind of joy the impoverished stand to reap.
You won’t know Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have.
Corrie ten Boom
I’ve never lived in poverty, but I was bereft almost 30 years ago when my father took his life. From the moment I heard the news, my heart clutched with burning pain. It was an effort for me to take a step or utter a word. I was in shock.
Bruce and I were asked to read Scripture during the service. We didn’t think we could do that but prayed together for the first time in our 18 year marriage and asked God to give us calm voices so we could honor him. As we walked to the front, I felt as if I were being carried along. Our voices were strong, and in the midst of crushing sorrow and lament, I felt as if I were being lifted up somehow. There was an odd mixture of sadness but also joy. I knew I would be ok, and that God was there with me.
Be surprised by joy, be surprised by the little flower that shows its beauty in the midst of a barren desert and be surprised by the immense healing power that keeps bursting forth like springs of fresh water from the depth of our pain.
Henri Nouwen
Thank you for reading Momentum with Deb Potts. This post is public and if it is resonating with you please consider sharing in case it might resonate with someone else who would like more momentum in their spiritual life.
Theodicy
Walking in that space, where an acute awareness of the evil and hurt in our world coexists with an absolute trust in the glory of God, is called theodicy. I love new words, and learned about this one from Celia Miller, in her wonderful article referenced below.
So much brokenness, so much pain. And despite all of that, there’s a God Whose goodness and faithfulness never wavers … That term is theodicy, and the definition means, the vindication of divine goodness and providence in view of the existence of evil.
Read more from this excellent post: Celia Miller’s Writings of a Beholder.
God’s with-ness has been my comfort, my joy, and my peace through so many difficult times. His with-ness is what allows me to coexist with pain and brokenness as well as his glorious joy. And now I have a word to describe that!
Questions to Consider when Times are “Poorer”
Dallas Willard wrote, “God’s address is at the end of your rope.” Have you been at the end of your rope financially? Or have you been in a season of emotional or spiritual poverty when you found that God was there for you? How did you see him provide?
Is poverty of some sort surprising you at the current time? Would you be willing to ask God to show you joyful surprises in the midst of it?
Have you ever experienced theodicy, awareness of deep evil and pain and at the same time feeling reassurance of God’s holiness and goodness? Who do you know that could benefit from hearing your story?
Scripture to Memorize
This month, write these words on your heart by repeating them at least once a day. Use whatever translation you're comfortable with. This one is from the MSG translation. Reading scripture in various translations is helpful to me. God’s holy word deserves to be savored and slowly digested.
You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are - no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.
Matthew 5:5 MSG
Worship Music
Chosen just for you to enjoy and reflect on where your true joy comes from.
Next Week
Next week we will start a new month with a marriage post, “Wedding Vows: In Sickness and in Health.”
We hope you enjoyed this devotional from my heart to yours. Join the community if you haven’t already, and feel free to share it with a friend.