8Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. He WILL draw near to me not maybe he will or a long list of requirements so that he will but just if I draw near to him then he will draw near to me.
Job 12:5 “In the thoughts of those who are at ease there is contempt for misfortune. It is ready for those whose feet slip.”
At times, I find myself easily dismissing the misery of others: “If they had just done _____, this wouldn’t have happened to them.” It can be so easy when things are going relatively well for me to deceive myself into thinking that it’s because of something I’ve done and that I deserve ___ because I’ve been living well.
My discomfort in watching others suffer can sometimes lead me to want to rationalize their suffering when it just doesn’t make sense, as Job’s friends are uncomfortable seeing him suffer and just want him to confess something he’s done so it will stop.
I admire Job for holding his ground. He didn’t just say some words and fake repent in order for God to return him to a comfortable lifestyle.
13:15 “Though he slay me I will hope in Him; yet I will argue my ways to his face.”
This is some real faith. Job knows his own heart well enough and believes/hopes in God’s heart and justice fervently enough that he holds out until the Lord gives ear to his suffering.
He sits in the misery that doesn’t make sense. He doesn’t try to explain it away or create a new belief system to justify the suffering. He knows he hasn’t sinned against the Lord and he knows the Lord does not repay righteousness with misery/evil. So he waits, honest about his misery, frustrated with the futile words of his friends, and hopes for an honest conversation (argument) with the Lord — waiting for God’s voice to give an answer to his situation.
Job 13:3, 5 “yet I prefer to speak to the Almighty . . . if only you would shut up” THAT made me smile! Sometimes we need to tell the world to just shut up and listen for God’s quiet whisper.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. I noticed the order here! We have to submit to God BEFORE we try to resist the devil. I’ve been trying to resist without submission and while I may win a few battles I’m still losing the overall war with a particular issue. This was enlightening!
“Oh that you would keep silent, and it would be your wisdom” (Job 13:5). Job just went IN on his friends! They had it right in the very beginning when they sat silently and mourned with Job for 7 days (Job 2:11-13), but things got bad once they opened their mouths and made accusations about why he’s suffering. It’s an interesting parallel with James 4:11-12 which warns against judging others.
James 4:14a…”Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow…” I usually read this verse with the negative connotation I believe it implies: we are not to boast of what we plan to do tomorrow or three years from now because we don’t know what’s going to happen. But today, I read it in a positive connotation–do you feel stuck in life? Feel like you’re waiting for life to begin? Waiting to get married…waiting to find the “one”…waiting for a baby…waiting for the right job opportunity…etc. etc. etc. Take heart! Have hope! Thou knowest not what a day may bring forth! God can LITERALLY change your life in one day’s time!
Definitely giving me an inside look at myself & my actions
8Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. He WILL draw near to me not maybe he will or a long list of requirements so that he will but just if I draw near to him then he will draw near to me.
Job 12:5 “In the thoughts of those who are at ease there is contempt for misfortune. It is ready for those whose feet slip.”
At times, I find myself easily dismissing the misery of others: “If they had just done _____, this wouldn’t have happened to them.” It can be so easy when things are going relatively well for me to deceive myself into thinking that it’s because of something I’ve done and that I deserve ___ because I’ve been living well.
My discomfort in watching others suffer can sometimes lead me to want to rationalize their suffering when it just doesn’t make sense, as Job’s friends are uncomfortable seeing him suffer and just want him to confess something he’s done so it will stop.
I admire Job for holding his ground. He didn’t just say some words and fake repent in order for God to return him to a comfortable lifestyle.
13:15 “Though he slay me I will hope in Him; yet I will argue my ways to his face.”
This is some real faith. Job knows his own heart well enough and believes/hopes in God’s heart and justice fervently enough that he holds out until the Lord gives ear to his suffering.
He sits in the misery that doesn’t make sense. He doesn’t try to explain it away or create a new belief system to justify the suffering. He knows he hasn’t sinned against the Lord and he knows the Lord does not repay righteousness with misery/evil. So he waits, honest about his misery, frustrated with the futile words of his friends, and hopes for an honest conversation (argument) with the Lord — waiting for God’s voice to give an answer to his situation.
Yes! Job is steadfast. Oh that we are more like this in our faith.
Thank you for this insight!
Job 13:3, 5 “yet I prefer to speak to the Almighty . . . if only you would shut up” THAT made me smile! Sometimes we need to tell the world to just shut up and listen for God’s quiet whisper.
♥️
7Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
I love day 29! It’s amazing how the 2 passages are relating to one another today.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. I noticed the order here! We have to submit to God BEFORE we try to resist the devil. I’ve been trying to resist without submission and while I may win a few battles I’m still losing the overall war with a particular issue. This was enlightening!
“Oh that you would keep silent, and it would be your wisdom” (Job 13:5). Job just went IN on his friends! They had it right in the very beginning when they sat silently and mourned with Job for 7 days (Job 2:11-13), but things got bad once they opened their mouths and made accusations about why he’s suffering. It’s an interesting parallel with James 4:11-12 which warns against judging others.
I noticed that verse today too. Reminding me that if I don’t REALLY know, then it’s better not to add my 2 cents worth. Silence can be golden.
James 4:14a…”Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow…” I usually read this verse with the negative connotation I believe it implies: we are not to boast of what we plan to do tomorrow or three years from now because we don’t know what’s going to happen. But today, I read it in a positive connotation–do you feel stuck in life? Feel like you’re waiting for life to begin? Waiting to get married…waiting to find the “one”…waiting for a baby…waiting for the right job opportunity…etc. etc. etc. Take heart! Have hope! Thou knowest not what a day may bring forth! God can LITERALLY change your life in one day’s time!
I love your spin on this! I never thought of that verse in that way.
I’ve often read this verse with a negative connotation as well, but this positive light is JUST what I needed today. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing this thought!
I love this!