Today’s Tasting: Job 35-37
Do Job’s words sound familiar? Familiar as in:
- Wondering where God was hiding when you felt you needed him most
- Feeling angry toward God
- Questioning, “What’s the point of living a righteous life?”
The same thoughts that Job cried might sound familiar, because you or someone you know may have cried them. He was angry with God and didn’t understand why such horrible things happened in his life. He thought he lived as a good follower and did all the right things. Yet, his life completely fell into shambles.
In chapters 35-37, Elihu attempted to help Job put things in the proper perspective:
- Elihu reminded Job of God’s greatness as Job lashed out toward God for all his suffering. Job cried out “I am more just than God” (35:2). Job spoke some dangerous words.
- Elihu reminds Job that sin does not “harm” God and our righteousness does not “benefit” Him. I believe that it saddens the Lord when we sin and that our righteousness brings Him joy…but we do not cause “harm” or bring “benefit” to Him by our actions.
- Elihu continues to point out that Job was quick to complain and blame God when things didn’t go his way. Think of your response when things don’t go your way, are you quick to blame, or quick to give thanks?
- Elihu continues to remind Job, just how much God loves him. He also warned Job not to give in to evil just because the present circumstances seem difficult. The amazing thing, is that regardless of whether we blame or give thanks, God loves us unconditionally.
These are his reminders of how God holds power to calm the trials and troubles:
- “God is mighty and doesn’t reject anyone” (36:5)
- “He doesn’t let the wicked live, but grants justice to the poor” (36:6)
- “He doesn’t avert his eyes from the righteous” (36:7)
Today’s Nourishment: These passages define a loving God—a God who wants to welcome and comfort us. No one is exempt from experiencing trials and tribulations. Yet, it is through trials and tribulations that we have the opportunity to realize His joy and peace. It is through difficult times that we learn to lean on God…the Almighty.
How, you may ask, do I let go of the familiar thoughts and questions to realize His joy and peace, and lean on Him when I experience trials and tribulations?
- Scripture – delve into the Word of God…spend time with Him discovering what He tells you through his Word. Participate in this blog feast, it is a great start.
- Pray – prayer is dialoguing with God from within. There is no right or wrong way to pray. However, Jesus gave some guidelines in Matthew 6:5-18.
- Meditate – as Believers, we may fill our minds with thoughts of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Renew our minds, Romans 12:1-2.
- Journal – Writing helps remind us realize the good in our lives. Take a few minutes each day to write down three good things that happened during the day. Reach for a pen and paper and start writing. You may surprise yourself.
May we grasp Elihu’s ways, who focused on the joys and the good in life instead of acting like Job, who allowed trials to push him to the point of giving up on righteousness.
How do you rid yourself of the familiar questions and focus on the good in your life?
Share your thoughts and questions with us—you never know who you might inspire.
Hugs & Blessings,
Monica
Thanks Monica, I have learned in my walk with The Lord that keeping my mind stayed on Him (Is 26:3) will bring that peace and joy I need to stay on tract. If not for those trials and tribulations We’d not know through clouds of despair to learn to trust that He’s always there. We’d not know the joy of resting in Him when darkness and silence is all we see. We’d not know the glow of His comfort late into the night, the faith that He gives when we walk without sight. We’d never know should our pain quickly flee, just what it means that His grace is sufficient for thee. Father, I thank you for the trials for they teach us and cause us to look to you and to trust what you’re doing in us. Thank you that no matter what they are or how hard they are you WILL see us through and we Will come out stronger on the other side. Thank you for Your unconditional love and that Your grace truly is sufficient for us, in Jesus name Amen!
Thanks Tammy – isn’t it amazing how much smoother our life goes if we focus on Him rather than ourselves??
Lord, I pray that I not question you in my day-to-day life for the trials that seem to lurk about me. I pray that I delve into your Word, into my relationship with you, a trusting God, and meditate on the goodness of God. Thank you, Monica for this word to us today. Bless you, Carolyn
Monica, this is great! This is just what I needed today. Scripture, prayer and meditation, I will do these things daily. Love this.
Thanks Carolyn for the opportunity to be a part of this.
Thank you Jacinta…I am so glad it spoke to you!!