A year or so ago, my small group from church studied C.S. Lewis’ satirical masterpiece Screwtape Letters. Set eerily in an office in Hell, one of Satan’s senior tempters, Screwtape, schemes meticulously to capture the souls of unsuspecting humans on earth.
A powerful realization stuck with me since our group’s study of the book–there is an active Enemy in this world and it is a mistake to underestimate him. The Bible warns us of this very thing: “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8, niv). And even more chilling than the image of a hungry lion about to pounce is the psalmist’s warning: “He has set traps for me along my path” (Psalm 140:5, niv).
Two things dawned on me:
1) The snake in the garden revealed the aim of Satan–to create a mindset of “scarcity” (“You’re missing out! You need that ONE forbidden fruit on the tree to complete you. God is holding back a blessing on you” um… that’s my paraphrase).
2) Scripture holds the antidote to the pervasive “scarcity hiss” of the snake (and the more you think about it, the more pervasive it is. Scarcity has a tight grip on our minds). Jesus came to earth to break that hold. He showed us how to live “abundantly”–in our ordinary days as well as in eternity. As the Bible claims: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can not overcome it” John 1:5, niv. Thank God!
Over the last year, I’ve been studying the theme of “Scarcity Says…but Abundance Answers.” What does it mean to live the abundant life in the burnt toast moments, the traffic jams, the carpools to school, the stock market gyrations?
On Wednesdays, I’m going to be sharing what I’ve learned in short devotions. At some point, I’d like to put it all together in a book of some sorts. So consider this a work-in-progress that you’re invited to peek at. Feedback is welcomed!
And if you haven’t had a chance to read Screwtape Letters, put it on your 2019 TBR list!
Sounds intriguing…and a good resource in the days following Christmas.
Thanks for commenting, Sandy! I hope you’ll feel free to share your thoughts. Happy new year to you! Warmly, Suzanne
I love that you will be sharing devotionals with us! I listened (audiobook) to Screwtape Letters a few years ago and loved it.
So glad the topic resonates with you, Debra! Hoping you’ll share your feedback. Happy new year to you! Warmly, Suzanne
Thank you so much for sharing your devotionals with us, Suzanne. The timing is perfect and the topic is so appropriate to our lives in 2019….and beyond. I love everything you write and I am confident this will be no exception.
Blessings and love from New England- xoxo
Anne Lyons
I think of you as I write these…makes me happy to know you’re reading them! Praying for you often, dear Anne. Xo Suzanne
My husband is reading Screwtape aloud for us this week! Great way to arm ourselves for the New Year.
It is a GREAT way to prepare for this new year, Liz! Nicely said! ~Suzanne
I have not read it, but based on your comments it will definitely be on my TBR list. Author Rachel Dylan wrote a series, Windy Ridge, which was about spiritual warfare and gee did it open my eyes to several things. I had never thought about this perspective before. I look forward to your devotionals. I find that I’m so, I can think of no other word, aggravated with people this day and time. Everyone is so vocal this day and time about politics and judgmental of others that I don’t get on social media much these days. I just don’t want to see it or hear about it. Most are down right mean also. I think this is the devil causing strife between man. Enough of my rant. As I said, I am looking forward to read more of your thoughts.
Katrina–I so agree with you. There is such strife and unrest in this world…from every direction. A broken world! Such a good reminder that the Light cannot be overcome by Darkness. Thanks for your “rant”–feel free to share, anytime! XO Suzanne
Looking forward to reading your comments about this great book. I’ve lost my copy some years back but I’m going to get another one to follow along with you.
Hi Gina! When our small group read it, I had to get another copy, too. So glad I did! Such a good reminder of the “bigger picture.” XO Suzanne
Looking forward to the devotions. Thank you!
Thanks for stopping by, Susan! Come again! ~Suzanne
I have had this book for over a year and sadly it’s still in my tbr pile. Not anymore, I’m starting to read it tomorrow morning! Thanks Suzanne!
Let me know if you start reading it, Linda–it’s such a startling book! ~Suzanne
A good blog, Suzanne. 😊
Thank you, Christine! Waving to you from across the country. ~Suzanne