Tribute to the Hunger Game of Life

April 9, 2020

Yesterday I made a dash in and out of the grocery store for just a few items to the dismay of my family. After all, our “Tribute” already made the “Hunger Game” trek to the store. What was I thinking risking my life for something that may not be deemed “essential?” Such perilous times – truly, I get it - even if I don’t like it.

At a time when we are forced into solitude and social distancing, we must remember what truly matters for living this one and only life.

In his invitation, God says,

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live.”  Isaiah 55:1-3

Clearly God isn’t talking about buying groceries. In fact, our money - what’s left of it - can’t buy us what we need most for a satisfying life.

This reminds me of what Jesus said, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit their soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mark 8:36-37

 Looking back to 4 weeks ago, what would you have placed in the “essential” category for your having a satisfactory life? Think about it for a few minutes and write it down.

Perhaps you thought of vacations, a steady income, time with close friends, “happy hour,” restaurant meals, good weather, recreation, a rising retirement account, good health or something else important to you.

But now as we face the loss of so much we once felt essential to our satisfaction in life, will we consider what can never be taken away from us?

Jesus said, “The thief only comes to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.”  John 10:10

“Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3

Having life in its fullness doesn’t have to wait until this quarantine ends. It happens the moment we say “Yes” to God’s invitation to come to Him.

Someone once said in life, “We say one big ‘Yes’ to God and many little ‘yeses’ to him.”  Coming to God isn’t meant to be just a one-time decision but an on-going opportunity for us all.

 “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” Isaiah 55:6

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

Rather than making it our goal to merely “survive” this real life “Hunger Game” in which we find ourselves, God invites us to flourish through a growing, life-giving relationship with Him.

Answer These Questions

What did you list as the essential things that gave you life before Covid-19? How has that changed for you as the weeks continue?

What new life-giving things has God brought into your life and routine that you hope to continue? Can you see glimpses of “new life” in you, through you, or around you during this time? Celebrate these things!

In what ways is God asking you to come to Him? Go ahead and name your fear, anxiety, longings, or trials and bring these to Him in prayer now. You might call these the little “yesses” you need to keep bringing to God.

Prayer

Jesus, thank you for inviting me to come to you. I know that You are the giver of all life. I invite You to be my life, my reason for living. Thank you for being the one who continues to “hold all things together,”even in this world that’s changed so much for me and for everyone else. I place my trust in you and say “Yes” to whatever you want to do. Amen.

Next Steps

1. Choose a Bible verse from this retreat and write it on a 3x5 card. You may want to use it as your prayer to God and post it in a place where you’ll see it often.

2. Write a word or phrase on a stone to represent the new “life” you are seeing God give you during this season. Start your own jar with many memory stones to come.

3. Copy and share the link to this retreat with someone else who needs encouragement. www.simplyretreat.life/miniretreats

4. If you placed your trust in Christ for the first time, be sure to comment on the form so I can send you a pamphlet on ways to grow in your relationship with God.

If you would like to discuss this retreat with others, join us on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. on Zoom.us. I will send you the invite and password if you respond on the comment card. I’ll be posting a retreat for Week 4 next Thursday, April 16.