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“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:

These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.

 

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.”

 

As a younger person, I never anticipated how complicated life would be. As time passes, I realize life isn’t that simple and it never will be. I understand more about the balance of life.

 

There is joy – pure joy – of seeing my daughters laugh and play. But it is matched with a tantrum. With her disappointment that I didn’t correctly anticipate her need for the right snack in the correct bowl, or cup she needed. It’s matched with my oldest’s disappointment that she can’t have every freedom she thinks she should have.

 

There is so much love. My wonderful husband spends every second making sure his girls are taken care of without experiencing any inconvenience. My other family who I share so many laughs with, and my friends and coworkers that make every day fun. But this love and laughter is matched with grief. There is grief because I don’t spend as much time with my husband as I would like. There is grief because the family we have lost no longer gifts us with their stories or wisdom.

 

The good and the bad are always matched together, entwined like a root in soil. I think in this scripture, Jesus is acknowledging this fact of our earthly lives. We experience fear, pain, and worry. But we also experience the wonder of God’s love. He knows our struggles, but He reminds us that “we are rich” because of the blessings we have and the promise He made. The promise that through our faith, our God provides a second life in His kingdom that is perfectly balanced without the pain, fear, and the pressure of this life.

 

Lord Jesus, You are the First and the Last. You see my struggles, my fears, and the places where I feel poor or overwhelmed. Give me the courage to be faithful, even when times are hard. Fill me with the hope of Your victory and the promise of the crown of life. Strengthen my heart to endure, knowing that nothing can separate me from Your love. Amen.

 

Katelyn Reck

Katiereck21@gmail.com

 

Prayer concern: Love, comfort

Additional readings: Jeremiah 26:1-12, Psalm 6