Today’s scripture: Isaiah 20:1-6 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Linda Bernabie):
In Isaiah 20:1-6, I have little doubt that “stripped naked” is a metaphor for stripped of all earthly belongings. Imagine how hard it would be to have all of your belongings taken away for three years!
Human beings have five basic survival needs: oxygen, water, food, shelter and sleep. The big question is, if we are fortunate enough to have all of our basic needs, what do we need to makes us happy? Who knows? Maybe God stripped Isaiah so he could find happiness away from material things!
Some years ago, I saw a documentary (on Netflix, I believe) by Rick Ray, who was granted an interview with the 14th Dalai Lama. Ray was allowed 45 minutes and could ask only ten questions of the Buddhist spiritual leader. One of Ray’s most “enlightened” questions was, “In your many travels, which countries have the happiest people, rich or poor?” The Dalai Lama quickly answered:
“Poor countries are happier, and they laugh and smile more. They have very little to worry about because they have nothing to lose. Poor families only want their daily needs fulfilled. If they are fortunate enough to get even the smallest extra, they are happy.
“If you have a lot ‘things,’ you have a lot to lose. The desire for things is a source of suffering. If you always keep the feeling ‘one more, one more,’ you are never satisfied, so you will die wanting one more.”
My mother passed away last year at the age of 93. Her mind certainly wasn’t that of the Dalai Lama, but she knew a lot about making her kids happy. Mom struggled with Alzheimer’s the last 15 years of her life. Fortunately, after the initial anger at the onset of this disease, she became a very happy lady. During one of my visits, she said, “We didn’t have much money, but we sure were a happy family.” She was right! It was amazing how much my family did with so little money. Almost every weekend it was picnics in the park, going fishing, swimming, hiking in the country, etc. Everything we did as a family was either free or required very little money!
Happiness is all about expectations. If your happiness is based on a high-powered job, lots of money, a perfect marriage, perfect kids, or a trip to Paris, you are probably unhappy.
If your happiness depends on loving God, helping others, taking a walk in the fresh air, going fishing, etc., then you are more likely to live with quite a bit of happiness.
Quote for the Day: “Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” —Abraham Lincoln
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.