I once had a surgeon tell me I wasn’t a very good patient because I tried to “gut it out,” instead of being honest about the pain I was experiencing. Apparently, it’s hard on a healer when a patient masks their symptoms; making a diagnosis can become a bit like trying to shoot at a moving target.
My doctor believed my stubborn refusal to admit pain reflected my lack of trust in his competence as a physician. In Job chapter three, we see that Job is honest about his own pain, which is a clear indicator that he truly wants to be healed and trusts in the competence of the Great Physician. It would take me a long time to learn that instead of exacerbating a painful experience, honest tears and the acknowledgment of pain can actually serve as a soothing pressure relief valve.
By contrast, between the amped-up sensation of reality television, the shrieking discord of current political affairs, and the twenty-four/seven barrage of social media that has saturated our culture, it’s entirely possible for real trauma and suffering to go unnoticed and untended. We rush to triage emotional hangnails but completely ignore the people around us who are bleeding out. Silence doesn’t always indicate bravery, but it is a pretty good indicator that we might not notice when someone is truly suffering.
Job’s outburst is a healthy reminder that our Redeemer doesn’t rank our emotions on a scale from good to bad, allowing only “good” emotions like joy and peace while barring “bad” emotions like grief and disappointment. We do not have to censor ourselves before the God who knows our hearts better than we do. Scripture doesn’t instruct us to smile on the outside while we die on the inside—just the opposite, in fact (see 1 Samuel 1). Frankly, I believe one of the biggest fallacies perpetrated in communities of faith is that the closer we get to Jesus, the more we need to keep a lid on it. Stoicism is not a spiritual gift, y’all!
We need to understand there’s a colossal difference between disagreeing with God and denying His existence altogether. Job cursed the day he was born and expressed confusion, frustration, and even anger, at God over allowing tragedy to befall him—but he did not reject God. In fact, the tormented exasperation Job hurls toward God proves that he is anything but an atheist! He knows God holds all things together.
Faith powered by God can stretch us far beyond our own capacity to endure. Still, it’s not our anguish that distances us from God; it’s our apathy. The main takeaway from Job chapter three: we can and should continue to bring all of who we are—including our anger, confusion, and disappointment—before God. We can trust Him with every piece of our hearts.
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167 thoughts on "Job’s Lament"
I was just told that I might have cancer, and I’ve been trying to “stay strong” and not show my fear to those around me. Knowing that God sees and accepts my fear and that I don’t have to hide it from Him is a huge relief
Job is honest about his pain, which is a clear indication that he truly wants to be healed and trusts in the competence of the Great Physician. Our God wants every piece of our hearts and mind. ❤️
This is so reassuring. We have an amazing God who will hear us out, no matter the delivery or the words. We can truly be authentic with God and save in knowing he still loves us. He wants us to pray with our whole hearts. As the psalmist wrote “O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.” (Psalm 62:8). Having this openness means we can truly have a closeness to him. We don’t have to pretend to hide how we feel, as God knows our thoughts before we even speak it. All we have to do is lay it at the alter, and leave it there. Trusting him that he will handle it all and through it all, we can even find joy. “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22
This is so reassuring. We have an amazing God who will hear us out, no matter the delivery or the words. We can truly be authentic with God and save in knowing he still loves us. He wants us to pray with our whole hearts. As the psalmist wrote “O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.” (Psalm 62:8)
This is challenging. I can trust Him with all the pieces of my heart
The fact that I don’t have to censor my heart; my emotions; my struggles; my daily mental battle on my knees in prayers beings out a trust I never knew possible with God.
“We do not have to censor ourselves before the God who knows our hearts better than we do.”
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So thankful for this devotional today because this has been my heart lately. When I throw all of my heart into getting out my feelings I tend to feel bad like I’ve somehow hurt God’s feelings. I’m encouraged to know that it’s not only necessary but welcomed. ❤️
God is so faithful.
Amen. Trust GOD with all your heart and surrender with all your might, for he is the only person knows what is best for us…..
This was a breath of fresh air to go to God fully with how we feel. I think I’ve kept that bottled in
Give it to god!
I know my redeemer liveth!
Ouch! This hits home
Reminds to share ALL of me with Him not just the parts I think are perfect!
I love that even amongst Job regretting his life and his birth, he never rejects God or regrets his relationship with him.
Amen. Thank you for these wonderful messages, and thank God for accepting us for who we are. It’s so easy to shy away from God when it all goes wrong, but He is the great Healer. Hallelujah!
Yes! God wants all of our hearts and us – the good, the bad and the ugly.
Maaaaan. This is exactly what I needed.
This: “We do not have to censor ourselves before the God who knows our hearts better than we do.”
Learning to be honest with my grief during a season of immense loss and disappointment. I’ve been feeling so stuck and I’m wondering if the feeling of “stuck” is actually unlamented grief.
My heart is so encouraged by this devotion!! I am so glad my cousin suggested we do this series together. What a blessing!
I am so thankful for these words today. Going through a divorce right now, I have often held in my anger and frustration. But the reassurance that God wants to hear what’s upsetting me is so helpful. I am broken and hurting but He holds all things together and it’s time I start trusting and believing that.
I love the message behind the devotion today. It is basically saying that we have the right to be upset, angry, frustrated and bring those emotions to God. Just because we feel those things doesn’t mean we love him less but means we are human. God does this we can’t understand but he always understands our hearts. If we show him completely who we are he will show us glory.
Wow. I’ve been programmed to keep it all in until I explode. I didn’t think it was okay to “complain” or tell God about my troubles. This is so liberating. In 2020, I pray that God kills my flesh so that He may live through me and I may be a witness to Him. Such an amazing devotion.
Loving this devotion, and learning that it is okay to openly suffer and to be honest. It does not belittle our faith
Feeling a little like Job in chapter 3 right now. In pain and dealing with frustration… regardless, I am blessed.
The Lord has blessed me immensely with this devotion. This is exactly the message I needed to hear.
We recently suffered a miscarriage and this study has been so encouraging. I’m seeing this book in a whole new way.
Beautiful passage and message – we can trust Him with everything…the good and the hard. I’m aching with deep loss and incredible disappointment. God has to be up to something, once again. Thankful he steered me to Job and this study. Thankful for this community.
I lost my mom very unexpectedly 2 months ago and as my niece put it,”You’re like Harry Potter now. You’re an orphan.” Not where I’d thought I’d be in my 30s. I’ve been wrestling with God and if He’s good and kind. This study has been helpful and make the grieving process feel less lonely.
I love how Lisa says we don’t need to hide our feelings from God. It doesn’t mean we trust him any less. It only means we know how great He is and how great our suffering is which reminds us how much we need Him.
I LOVE the lessons to be learned from Job 3. I actually am the opposite and have no trouble keeping my hurt in. However, I tend to beat myself up about it. Our society almost teaches to be private and keep your “drama” to yourself. So I love this study today. Be loud. Cry it out, yell it out. God is there. He wants to heal you.
My father has recently been diagnosed with stage four liver cancer. They said 6-9 months. We are hopeful and prayerful and praying for a miracle. So thankful I found this devotional to do daily.
Oh Job, thank you for the reminder that in my darkest days I can cry out, literally, to the Lord. He will hear me and not judge me for my confusion and anger. Too often I swallow my feelings in order to “keep a lid on it” but sometimes it’s gotta come out via tears, crying, and the occasional scream into the pillow.
This scripture is AMAZING!!!! God doesn’t call us to be perfect, and this is such a true testament of Christians not being perfect! When you hear ‘Christians’ you hear this everlasting joy they have, which is true because of the gospel and all that it entails. BUT, the transparency we can allow our God to see is very enlightening. I think this passage of scripture should be HIGHLIGHTED EVERYWHERE.
Been having a rough week. Needed the reminder that I don’t have to be brave alone
We have been navigating the road of post-partum depression and the aspect that hurts the most is friends who believe this to be a choice or lack of faith. God can handle my struggle but often the people of God can’t. Hearing Job’s lament is oddly encouraging-life won’t always be roses but God, who doesn’t change, is there!
I’m so sorry you’re having to endure this! It’s not a fun road, especially if you have to walk it alone. Please reach out to your Dr and try to let them know how you’re feeling. I went the stoic route and it was awful. I “tried” but then later really did try to tell people how I was feeling and no one believed me. I think my Doc did but she also knows what an aversion I have to meds so I think she was just keeping notes on me. God helps, He can hold your hand or hold your whole body up through this. Just make sure you’re not alone. I’ll pray for you
Needed this so much today
I felt deep comfort to be reminded that God truly wants me to be honest with Him. My family is in an extremely hard season as my grandfather is waiting for an amputation and very angry. I am reminded that God wants me to be truthful with Him and in my honesty He is there.
Reading this really gave me hope and comfort, I am pregnant with my first baby and while I was excited to find out that I was bearing a child and I was ready to receive the famous “pregnancy glow” it has been the total opposite. I was diagnosed with HG (hypermesis gravidarum) and it has been super severe and horrible experience so far, I have been in and out of the hospital, this has been affecting my life in all aspects as I am limited to doing anything. I’ve been feeling like God has been silent in this moment, but now that I read this, I understand it’s because I haven’t even expressed my pain to Him.
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I really love what this devotion has to say. I have lived my whole life too scared to truly let my feelings out to God. I guess I’ve been scared to show that I am disappointed in something or that I don’t think that what has happened to me or someone else is fair. Stoicism is something I guess I felt is what was necessary! Grin it and bear it! I finally realize it’s ok to vent our anger, disappointments, worries, and sadness to Him, plus, He already knows it!! It’s a weight lifted off of my chest knowing I can be ME to Jesus and He still accepts me. Praise God
I just finished reading this and I completely relate to what you said. I never wanted to express those “bad” emotions as I felt that I was coming off ungrateful . That is ungrateful for the good in my life and that I had no place to complain because other people had it worse. I’ve been dealing with disappointment lately and being honest is truly such a heavy weight lifted off my chest. Anyways, just wanted to agree with you! Hope you have a blessed day!
After 5 years of Vulvadynia and 4 years of Chronic Regional Pain syndrome I can say I have felt almost every emotion Job felt towards God. I have yelled out at God in pain so many times. I have prayed for a miracle to happen in my body and I believe healing is coming. What I have learned is God truly never leaves you for a second. He has been by my side and given me the strength to get up each day to face another painful day. I thank God that I am one of His children.
Jayne, It is my prayer that you not deny yourself this process of grief. Don’t hide from it, embrace it. Seek God’s help, He is the Great Healer and Comforter. And don’t exclude those who love you from your life, your heart, your loss or your grief.
In Christ,
Clarissa Porche
This was needed. I never want to come off as doubting God and reading this reminded me that God knows my heart. He sees my posture. I can be me with God and bring all of me to Him without any restraints.
It’s comforting to know that we can talk to God openly and honestly. We don’t have to hold back. Sometimes I feel that there is pressure to be happy all the time as a Christian.
Lord I do not need to “censor” my emotions or even agree with you..however I cannot deny your existence and even if I did, you cannot deny Yourself…help me to love you more, just the way you are even when I do not understand. ‘Oh for grace to trust thee more”
Amen. I am thankful for this prayer as I read it, I receive the blessing of this text. I am often times guilty of trying to maintain and “keep a lid on it” but this text makes me acknowledge just how amazing our God is… he knows our hearts and forever wants to be there for the long haul not just the good that we do. Definitely a reflection message.
Man. I definitely need to hear that. Too often I take it all upon myself. And I don’t need to do that. God tells us to cast our cares about Him and He doesn’t specify which cares to throw upon Him. We cast them all upon Him because He cares for us. ❤️
This study has come at the perfect time for me. I have been struggling in my faith since I lost my son at 19 weeks just before Christmas. I am angry; at the world and; yes, even at God.
I am 14weeks on and very aware that the world (and my family) thinks I have moved on as I have been silent about my pain; at least with the world. Like Job I have also cried out to the Lord and ranted at Him. Like Job I have yearned for the relief that death would bring.
I am struck in today’s study by the thought that my refusal to openly admit my pain may indicate a lack of faith in the healer and that by stubbornly saying “I’m fine” and not admitting my pain I am allowing it to go unnoticed and perhaps even for it to fester.
I am also reminded that by not acknowledging my pain to others I am not allowing them to help me, which maybe denying a blessing to them; I know when j have helped others I have been blessed- am I selfish to block others from similar blessing just because I am to proud or scared to admit how broken I truly am?!
Jayne, I am so sorry for your loss. Sharing this can help you get through the pain & grief. It is a process and leaning into it rather than trying to bear it will hasten recovery. God bless you.
Jayne. I am so sorry you are having to go through this. I am praying for you. I have been there too. We lost our daughter Harley to a cord accident on 11/6/14 at 37 weeks. I know your pain and suffering. Don’t ever let a
Jayne I am so sorry for your loss. I too have experienced this deep sorrow. We lost our baby Harley at 37 weeks on 11/6/14 due to a cord accident. Sharing is a great thing. Don’t ever let anyone tell you to move on. Your son lived and deserves to be remembered. Take your time. It’s taken me a lot of therapy and prayer and the right doctors to see me through this. This is a lifelong process. Much love to you! If you ever need to talk just let me know. I’ve been and have felt exactly how you feel now.
Thank you so much for your kind thoughts. I am so sorry that you have felt this pain as well. Losing a child is like no other pain I have experienced; I am comforted by the thought that my son;Elias, will be waiting for me with Jesus. Perhaps even playing with your little Harley x
I wanted to share a blog post I wrote and my friend has published as it contains some of my thoughts and hopes around Mother’s Day- I hope it can be a blessing to you x
https://www.rahabsribbon.com/home/me-too
“Stoicism is nota spiritual gift” love that!
God is not afraid of our grief. My grief and sorrow does not deny His existence or power. It is an honest lament of being broken people in a broken world. Just as I should not be ashamed to show grief, neither should I avoid those who are grieving. When I am sad I’m not looking for a theological discourse. I’m looking for someone to put an arm around my shoulders and say “I love you. God loves you. He sees your grief and He cares”. Infertility is my grief right now. 7 years. Every month I try not to hope. But then I’m late. And a little hope blooms. And then quickly fades. And I try so hard to put on a smile and move on with life. But it’s just so hard.
What about the person like me who seems to never be able to get it together? Job was not guilty.. but I . Making bad choices and suffering I have caused myself all the while knowing that there is only one God and that he died for my sins. I’m at my end in the sense that I feel hopeless.. like it’s me AGAIN God..
I feel the same way. All we can do is remember that he never gives up on us, his children. We must keeping believing in Him the one true God and his love for us.
God will never give up on you! Love that you keep trying!
This radiates within my soul. I am so guilty of staying silence to not cry out. When all God asks is to hear from
His child
I’ve been going through a heartbreak for the past six months now and I get discourage so easily when memories creep in my mind which has led to a rollercoaster ride with God. I get disappointed that the heartbreak isn’t gone and I wondered if God gets tired of me sharing the same emotions with Him. We’re so used to instant healing but I just thought I should be over it now. I know that I should trust God in his timing but its not easy. This chapter really spoke to me that he will remain faithful to us and He does not dislike us for sharing our tears with Him. Thank you for this word.
THIS IS SO GOOD. I’ve never heard this perspective on Job 3! So good!
The struggle is real. I’m trying to learn not to hide the pain but instead go through the pain and trust God in the process. Sharing my hurts with others I trust is a next step. That and discerning His will through some of the more difficult times. Glad for this lesson today.
My step-Dad passed a year ago this month. My family and I are still in such a difficult place. The hardest part has been watching my mom mask her pain behind a brave face, but things are really falling apart. I feel so helpless in so much her struggles as I watch and can’t offer much actual help. It’s such a hard place to be in. This Job study has come at just the right time. Praise be to God for His Word in this time.
Courtney, praying for you and your mom right now. I am in the same space as you, only my step-dad is in his final stages of leukemia. My parents have weathered this with integrity and brave faces, but it hurts so badly to watch. I’m sure you can relate. I’ll be praying comfort over your entire family today!
Lori Wat, I have immense empathy for you. I know this disease. My mother has that disease – it affects the muscles, and it is terminal, as in there is no cure. She has had it for many years and it is managed by treatment. Here’s the thing, though: She is in her late 70’s, goes on cruises, visits other countries, attends Bible studies, makes blankets for babies in the hospital, sings in the choir, continues with her craft – 1/4 scale miniatures – and travels to visit her grand and great grand children. I say all these things because, yes, it is serious, it is rare, it is scary, but my mom hasn’t let it stop her and she laughs as much, often more, than she ever has. Her pain is sometimes excruciating but she continually finds her strength in God. She is an inspiration. Maybe she can be an inspiration to you, too and find encouragement through her.
Thank you for this encouragement. ❤️
This study brought tears to my eyes. I’m struggling to recover from a painful relationship that has just ended, and I’m tempted to run away from God in the process of healing. So many wrongs I’ve done against God that I’m ashamed about and can’t find courage to face. I know God loves me wholely and this spoke to me on a personal level. Thanks.
I encourage you to run toward a relationship with Jesus. He doesn’t care what you’ve done, all he cares about is the now and seeing you his beloved daughter coming home. Invest in a relationship with Him I promise he is eagerly waiting to forgive you and cover you with grace.
Thank you for this ❤️
This spoke to me and what I’m feeling right now.
God wants to hear from us when things are going well and when things are not going so well.
Job’s cry wasn’t a complaint, but a crying out because of what he was going through. I think we have to know the difference between the two.
I really needed this reminder today. The permission and reminder that God created us and gave us this breadth of emotion. He want us to bringing all our emotions to him. The ugly crying, the deep pain, the joy, and happiness. Bring it all to him.
And I must say “Stoicism isn’t a spiritual gift y’all” this is such a simple truth, but huge truth I think we as the church need to embrace and show the world. We need to show our emotions to God and others. There can be healing and freedom in having others hold your hand and walk beside you in your struggles. Showing others that yes this ugly hard part of life is here but I got through it because of my great God who’s love for me never fails.
I think this is so beautiful and so important! Job is a great example of who we should be. The same way God wants us to bring our problems to Him, he wants us to bring our negative emotions to Him too. He doesn’t expect us to no longer be human when we choose to follow Him. He doesn’t want that. He wants to be our Father, but also our friend. If we can cry out to our earthly friends in anger and not hate them, then the same can be said for our relationship with Christ. This has opened my eyes to the fact that I shouldn’t be shy or afraid when I ‘moan’ to God about my problem, its just a matter of still acknowledging that God is still good and will continue to be good.
Let us cry out in anguish, but let us remember to not reject God in those moments too. Sadly, rejecting ‘someone’ that we can’t see with the naked eye is too easy… :(
Sometimes I feel as though I have to reserve my complaints or struggles of the day for a friend or my mom, only giving God the praises and good news. Lord help me learn to come to you always and look to you for comfort or peace!
Amen
I often feel shameful when I see myself as a victim. It feels worse because I feel if I dont “get over it”, i am not faithful enough in my walk to trust that its all God.
Praying for those who are actively suffering tonight. As I read Job’s words, I could identify. It’s been 10 years now, but I remember feeling that type of grief in the early days after my son died. I have to confess it makes me nervous to do a study of Job, I think, “Oh no. What is God preparing me for?” It’s so hard to trust fully once you have suffered such a deep loss. I am always too aware that sometimes the horrible unimaginable things do happen. I am afraid of suffering again, and yet, what can I do but trust Him?
Oh man I feel the same .. as I read this I worry also . It’s been 12 years since two of our kids died, I still struggle with grief that comes out of no where. I am leaning on the knowledge that this study of Job is to strengthen me and bring me hope not prepare me for more grief.
Upon my reading, the subtext of Job’s expression of anguish wasn’t that he was trusting in God’s healing but that he truly wanted to die. Nonetheless, I wholeheartedly agree with bringing our entire selves to the foot of the cross. Also LOVED the 2 Timothy reading chosen to accompany the passage from Job. If we are faithless, he remains faithful!
I am really struggling, Lord. I’m trying to trust you, but more than 3 weeks in the NICU and I am growing weary. You said You we’re close to the broken hearted, but I don’t feel You closely enough. Please forgive me for the anger that is setting in. Help me to hear You and feel You. Help me.
Amen.
I know your struggle and I’m praying for you! I’m a Mama to a NICU babe. He was in almost three months. It’s such a long and difficult road. I pray for leave through this process ❤
Praying for supernatural strength to come upon you as you grow weary. Lord would you see Laura and hold her on your chest, intimately remind her that you are her strength in weakness. Amen.
I have been there. My daughter was born at 23 weeks 5 days. We spent 100 days in the NICU with so many ups and downs. Cry out to the Lord. Give Him all those emotions. He is our comforter.
Resting in this tonight… I need a kidney transplant but have lately been quite stable – it may be a few years. Unfortunately, I’m likely not able to safely have a pregnancy until a few years after the transplant, so in a way it’s both fortunate and unfortunate that I’m doing so well. I thought my heart hurt when they told me I’d need a transplant, but this is a new level of hurt. Working to feel all my emotions and trust God in it all.
Powerful words. So often I feel like I need to put on a brave face. Or that my pain is not welcome, especially in the church. This is just not true. The church is terrible at lamenting. So often I feel forced to appear happy. This needs to change y’all!
Agree – it keeps people on the edge of belief like me far away from church.
We all suffer. It’s a shame we feel we have to put our happy faces on to the world. While we shouldn’t dwell in our suffering, we need to acknowledge it, feel it, and keep going. God doesn’t give up on us, and we mustn’t give up on Him.
As I read the reading, devo and comments I think about if I am really being real with God. You know at times I feel I am laying it all downs but then there are other days that I am just saying what I think God wants to hear. I want to be more authentic with God and I pray He will show me what this means in our relationship!
I’m reading a lot of women writing today about the lost of their babies. I too lost my first born. I was very angry for years but kept it in. Angry at God. Angry at everyone who was moving on as if he didn’t exist killed me. Finally I broke down after three years of pain of losing my baby and then my husband wanting a divorce and me being all alone in complete brokenness. God used all that enormous pain to draw me closer to Him and to know Him. Even though my life is not at all how I would want it, I thank God that He has used my sufferings to turn to Him and that I am able to comfort others with the comfort He has given me. My sons life was purposeful and impactful even in the womb. He had CDH and a lot of other complications. I thank God for my precious gift, Samuel, and I know that I did not lose him. He is only in my future! ❤️
“We do not have to censor ourselves from the God who knows our hearts better than we do”. I really needed to hear this today. I’m struggling with a lot of negative emotions and I needed a reminder that I don’t have to pretend with God.
My mother-in-law was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. She has always been very healthy. Before they could start chemo she got infection in her blood. The infection has to be cleared before the testing may be done to start the chemo, and they know the cancer is growing quickly.
This is hard.
And, this is good.
When the suffering has been frightening at times
for her to bear
and us to watch helpless to stop it.
The opportunity to witness for Christ – huge
her witness, our witness, and believing caregivers witness.
God is good,
all-the-time,
we will trust Him.
Sunday we came in while she was crying
she apologized for her tears,
and said she was trying to hold it together.
We affirmed that it is okay to cry,
okay to share openly
we reminded her that we love her
that the Father knows her heart and mind already
and keeps those tears in a bottle.
Thankful for so many things.
Praying for you.
Our family is in the middle of a nightmare- my younger sister is struggling with mental illness and alcohol addiction. There is so much fear, sadness, anger, hurt and anguish. The pressure of staying upbeat and positive is crushing, but I needed to be reminded that it’s okay to go to Him with every emotion, not just my thanksgiving, but my broken heart. He can handle it! Thank you, Lisa, for such a solid reminder that God knows and hears every cry, sees every tear.
I so needed this today that is it okay to not be okay and just let it all out to Him. Being a smile on and acting joyous bc of our faith instead of being real and allowing ourselves to feel. Have to express so He can heal. Yes he knows our hearts but he wants us to cry out to him with them. First step to healing is acknowledging the feelings.
God does not fear or turn away from our raw emotions- good or bad he sees and knows all that goes on in our hearts- and he never abandons us through any season
WOW … this speaks to me. Lots to ponder as someone else just said. I’m a little speechless. It reminds me of a quote I found a while back … “In all my life, through every season …… you are still God”. The literal application is stunningly hard and very raw with feeling.
Job 3 reminds me that I don’t have to hold everything together! That it is okay to let things go and to come to God just as I am a hot mess and all
I find it very interesting how Job reacted… he did not curse or reject God, but he did curse and reject a gift God had given him- his birth, his life- which I find curious and wondering how God viewed the matter in regards to that.
It also shows how much Job despised life, wishing he had never been born, similar to the way suicide victims think, however, Job did not commit that act.
The timing of this study could only be from Him. I’m asking for prayer. The trials that I’m currently under are more than I can endure, however, He is carrying me. The trials are health, finances and relational. I have prayed for a deliverance from these trials and I’ve prayed for miracles too! I’m a testimony to the fact that when you seek Him with all of your heart, the enemy will go full-speed ahead to keep you oppressed.
Interesting… My life completely fell apart after I first started feeling God in my life (raised nonreligious) but I’ve been skeptical like maybe this is what the devil wants . ..
After yesterday’s study, I finally gave myself permission to be a bit more transparent with my FaceBook Friends – I’m not a frequent poster, but when I am oin a seasons of trial, it feels weird to just post the good stuff, so I’m addicting it here for you guys, my SRT community and sisters.
“Friends – I’m in a season of challenge. I have recently been diagnosed with a serious autoimmune condition (Dermatomyositis-if you are curious). It is totally manageable with appropriate treatment and I’m doing well, but this has rocked me to my core and has knocked me around a bit emotionally.
It is so good to know that l can be a mess before a God who knows me completely and has authored this season for me. I’m learning so much through this by leaning into God and what he says about who He is and who He says I am.
I appreciate your prayers friends!”
Thank you for letting me share. Job is such a good place to study right now. ❤️
Today’s devo was like taking a ride in the way way back machine. Took me to 1986 after I lost my firstborn to Trisomy 18. Jesus’ grace carried me those first grief-stricken in-shock weeks. Then the anger began to grow and burn. How could He? Finally my pastor came by. I told him what I was struggling with and he wisely said “God knows your anger. He gave you the capacity for it and He’s
certainly big enough to take it.”
That was so freeing. I poured out my anger and with it, began to take baby steps toward beginning to heal.
He IS big enough to take it. He knows it’s there already. We need only be honest with Him. Suffering isn’t fun. At all. But it does chasten is, correct us, and make us rely on Him more.
It’s so refreshing to find God here, the God who is present even in our suffering and allows us to have emotions, even ones we deem ‘negative’ or ‘bad’. The book of Job is so rewarding to read and becoming a favorite!! SRT, thank you for a safe space to discover the nearness of God even when he doesn’t always feel near.
Such a great reminder to bring it all to God- ALL – not just the happy and the praise, but the confusion and frustration. giving it all to him and trusting that he is in control and loves me and is carrying me through the storm.
The last 2 years of my life have been filled with the most incredible miracles I have ever encountered but also the deepest darkness I have ever experienced in my life.
The struggle is real. Believing the timing of this study on Job is from the Lord. My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection…
With you Lori!!
I love when I receive signs like this reading and scriptures. It was placed in my life at the perfect time to help me understand what path to take next.
Avoiding conversations about the hurtful parts of my life is how I have kept from the pain so long. It rises a little here and there, but I can quickly shut it down through distractions. Yet as emotional beings we cant selectively numb things, so then it creeps in to other parts of my life and I am left feeling like I have this constant block I am carrying. Blocking joy, blocking love, blocking what could be amazing moments with God. I am starting to trust God with my hurt and let go of my darknesses and turn them over to him. I pray this for all of us that we would trust Him with ALL of our broken pieces.
This is good! God knows our hearts. He knows when we are angry or disappointed. Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you! He will give you strength!
Such a humbling lesson for me this morning, to understand that being Christian does not mean smiling through suffering because of faith, but that your faith allows you to bare your suffering to God, who is listening and ready to heal
I can identify from this so much and I am so thankful that we have the story of Job in the Bible. I lost both my parents and both my grandparents and my kids best friend in a matter of 4 years. I was SO Angry, yet, I wasn’t sure I should be angry at God. Thankfully I had a support system that told me to pour out my anger, my sadness, my doubts… to pour it all out to Him. He has been so faithful through it all and I am so thankful that I didn’t walk away but I let God walk me through it.
I understand exactly how you feel. I lost my dad in January and my mom when I was 23. I am often angry that I’m an orphan at 38 and have felt bad when I have the feelings of anger and why me toward God. I knew this study was going to help me and I’m finding so much peace in the Word.
It’s a good reminder that God can handle all my big emotions. Quite often I feel like I just need to keep it inside and not share my deepest thoughts or true emotions. The thing is God can handle it.God is a great listener.
Over the last few years I have been very vocal with God about my pain, and even more so, how bitter I was at Him for allowing and/or putting me in my situation. However, I certainly never praised Him or trusted Him through it. I became bitter and resentful. I rejected Him and lives however I wanted to feel better. But He has been faithfuls and has brought me back to Himself. I am completely humbled this morning as I remember that.
SO Good!!! Thank You for sharing this word today!!!
I needed to read this today, both the scripture and the devotional. I need to learn trust God with the ugly and not just the pleasant parts of me (even though he knows my heart already and sees it all, spoken words are powerful). I need to learn to cry out to him, I think he craves this from us just as he wants our praises.
Tricia ~ I am praying for you. Thank you for sharing your story.
Cassandra,
I agree with you. It can be so difficult to not keep it in. Thankfully we have an understanding and loving God. I’m working on give it to Him. This was a great reminder today.
Since being diagnosed with bone cancer in my femur on Christmas Eve, it’s been interesting. I always thought I had a good relationship with the Lord, but this has drawn me so much closer to him. I still have times when I am afraid to yell out and say why is this happening to me. I feel like I am being ungrateful for all He has done. This study of Job is coming at just the right time. I am praying that through all of this others will see Jesus. That is my fervent prayer. I am holding onto Him and trusting in Him to see me through this one way or the other. I am also trusting that He will use this for His glory, and that others might see Jesus through me.
So beautiful Tricia but I can’t imagine the pain or heartache you’re experiencing. Thank you for sharing – I do see Jesus in this so much and am so moved!! I have questioned God for so much less. Praying for healing and praying that no matter what, He just keeps drawing you in and using you as this vibrant light.
Oh Tricia, I pray for you to be strong. I’ve been fighting lung cancer with bone mets for 2 1/2 years now, and honestly that’s what brought me here to Christ. I will tell you that it’s both an uphill and downhill battle. There’s a lot of pleading, and then a lot of praising and then the cycle recurs. I’ve learned that He REALLY DOES LISTEN to my prayers. Maybe not in the timeframe I want Him to, but He’s proven himself over and over again that He is faithful and will not leave me. Just cling to Him. You’ll be in my prayers. ❤️
Praying for you. And thank you for sharing your story and your wish that others will seek Jesus as you have. Thank you.
I am encouraged by your heart and by your faith. Praying with and for you, sister.
I’m so encouraged by all you beautiful women! Thank you for sharing Tricia! As Jen said, I have questioned God for so much less! Praying for strength and healing, and that you will always know God’s goodness amongst your suffering. Xx
God has been trying to use the book of Job to speak to my heart for years and after reading this I finally understand why. Through all my pain growing up and losing my marriage I tried to smile through it. It made the pain worse and I eventually broke and grew away from God until I could finally say to Him “this hurts, it’s not ok, I’m not ok, but you are still a good God and you are my God”. I have someone very near to my heart that is hiding away his pain and pushing everyone out. I would like to ask for prayers for this friend, that he lets Jesus in and let’s the pain out in a healthy way. Love this community!
I find this to be so true. Sometimes something in your life forces you to be honest with your emotions because you are incapable of holding it together. This happened to me a little over a year ago when my 8 month old son died suddenly. My life completely changed in an instant and I spent much of the first year angry at God. Because I was. I was so lost, confused, heartbroken. I could not believe that a good God would allow such horrible tragedy to strike. And while I still have many of those same emotions today I can say that God was faithful to me. On my own my faith would be ruined. But God held on to me. He listened when I cried out and cried with me. I don’t understand why my son died and I know I never will this side of heaven. But I do know that without Jesus and the hope he provides I would have nothing. But because of him and his work on the cross I can look forward to a day with no more tears…
It’s funny. I didn’t plan on reading these devos, but today I decided to jump on. And this is exactly something I’m wrestling out with God right now. Being honest with my suffering. I tell myself that my stuff isn’t as bad as what others are going through. I tell myself to suck it up and get over it. Subconsciously I tell myself to pull it together even as I approach the Lord in prayer. But he’s inviting me deeper into my heart, to be brutally honest with my fears and desires and hurts. But I’m struggling because I’ve pushed all of it down for so long. Today’s reading was another clear whisper from Abba to keep pressing in. This kind of heart level honesty can’t be rushed, but it is necessary to pursue.
I have found my most honest prayers—often prayed on my morning commute to work—have been the ones that have developed the most intimacy between me an Jesus. I treasure those times, even though I often have fix my makeup once I’m at work! I’m so grateful Jesus longs to hear my heart, no matter my emotions! And, I’m so thankful that He carries my burdens for me when I offer them to Him. He’s a good God!
Wow, to mask the pain or to keep it in and not open up about it is to not trust the physician. I’ve never even thought of this. It doesn’t make me stronger. It makes me weaker honestly because I’m not leaning on his power to heal me. I’m trying to be in control. I’ve never seen it in this light but it has given me a lot to think about and act on.
Great word today. I need to think at this on two levels:
1. When I point my kids to the Lord, do I skip the sharing of their (often irrational and immature) feelings or encourage it? We are forever asking them “Where does your help come from? The LORD, the maker of heaven and earth!” But I often forget to pause, acknowledge their little kid-world “sufferings” and remind them to tell the Lord…
2. Stoicism is not a spiritual gift, but God does give some believers (through natural temperament or experience with suffering) an ability to stay abnormally cheerful and strong in the face of hardship. I grew up under one such grandmother. She’s been gone almost 15 years, and my family is just now starting to consider how the gift of such a strong optimistic matriarch may have affected how we all interact with negative feelings and our willingness to vent them honestly…
Goodness gracious! I think one of the areas we as a collective Church have missed is teaching people how to wrestle with God, how to be real and raw and trust Him to be with us. He has big and broad shoulders and large capable hands. He can handle our emotions. He created them! Job shows us how to take our hurts, frustrations, yes, even anger, to God. We can be “woe is me” with God! He’ll walk with us through it if we allow Him to. Going through suffering is not fun. None of us wish for it. But He is so faithful and if we allow Him to, He’ll take the suffering and turn it on its heels so that it glorifies Him and makes us more like Jesus.
I love that God can handle our messiness! We need to model it for others too! If the “church” looks like it is only for those who seem to have it all together , we will be missing out on reaching those other messy people who need Jesus to lean on too! ❤️
I love that God isn’t again if or confusion, disappointment, and anger, rather He wants us to bring those emotions to Him just as much as He wants our joy. It’s only in bringing it to Him that we can find peace.
It’s still so tight to wrap my head around tragedy, but it is true that in the stripping we gain a better understanding of Jesus and God’s love as he shows up in big ways to provide comfort and healing. He truly draws near to the brokenhearted.
So many times I hide my feelings because I do not want to be judged. What is amazing is the. You lament to God there is no judgement . It is a safe place for you t communicate with God. I think once we are able to lament to God with all our hearts and feeling , it then turns us into better communicators in our lives. This is a great reminder to always stay true to your heart bc that what God so desperately seeks from us.
❤️
We’re going through a pretty tough time right now in our household and I needed to hear that my emotions are not wrong. I can trust God with every part of my heart.
Praying for you today, Molly!
LORD, I lift Molly up to you this morning. I ask that You will remind her that You know her better than she knows herself. I pray for the tough time she’s facing and ask that she’ll lay it down – every single emotion- at Your feet. I pray You will provide her comfort, remind her that she’s Yours and You’re a good father. I pray You will work and move in her home for Your glory! In Jesus’ name Amen.
Praying for you today Molly! I lift you and your house up to the Lord!
You emotions were actually created by God to deal with the hard, gut-wrenching stuff of life. Be open and honest. Praying for you!
God is the best listener. While I’m a cheerleader to many, I’m actually a very private person. I pour all my emotions before the Lord because in Him there is safety and wisdom and unconditional love. I have found those three qualities to be rare in human beings. My prayer “closet” is my favorite room in my house because He is there, with open arms, and I can be completely transparent before Him. That is why my daily quiet time is so precious to me – it is my lifeline. Every raw emotion is welcomed without judgment. And how sweet to hear His words of guidance and correction and encouragement. It is the best part of my day.
This reading today was freedom. I feel like I was given permission to feel feelings that aren’t necessarily considered acceptable. As long as those feelings are expressed in the intimate relationship with my Savior, I believe that they are healthy and healing. If I project them out or hold them in that’s when they become toxic. Being sad, having loss, being disappointed are all a part of my human existence but what I take so much comfort in is that I am dwelling place for Gods Spirit, I am not my suffering, I am not my pain. I am a vessel and a conduit for the Healing presence of Jesus. I want to carry my pain with honor by expressing it to God and letting Him turn it into healing.
“We don’t have to censor ourselves before the God who knows our hearts…” man do I need that preached over me all the time! We are never “too much” for the God that created us. Thank you Jesus. *deep breath*
This reading today is Freedom. I feel as if I was given permission to feel my “dark” emotions. I also understand that within the safety of my intimate relationship with God…those feelings are not damaging or destructive. If I hold them in or project them outward. Thats when they bevome toxic.
I love how Job was able to express how he felt. So often something can happen and we are quick to say “oh Gods got this” and he does but he wants us to express our emotions to Him. He wants to walk through those emotions with us. Being disappointed, angry, upset doesn’t mean we don’t trust God. But by opening up and sharing with Him we are able to deepen our intimate relationship with God and also ask “God how do you feel about all this?”.
Needed this for my heart today! God wants all of my emotions. I have going through darkness in my life as a wife whose husband has been laid off,as a daughter whose beautiful dad has just been diagnosed with cancer, as an oncology nurse practitioner. I am often feeling like I need to hold it together. I am the caretaker, the supporter, wife , mother. I dont get to break down. I need to stay strong and help everyone. God knows my heart and knows I needed to read this today.
I am so grateful for this message. This was such an “aha moment” for me. “God doesn’t require stoicism.” Imagine how many people have turned away from Christianity because of my witness of “grin and bear it” faith who might have been searching for a God who could hear their anger, frustration, and confusion. Surely, I am filled with the joy of the Lord—Jesus rescued me from a life without God—but to share the treasure of my faith, I need to be able to express the truth of suffering and the compassion and greatness of my God to hear it—He knows it already anyway!
This is such a great reminder not to hide my true feelings from my Heavenly Father. I often keep certain thoughts out of my prayers because I believe it not to be respectful or appropriate. That is actually the most appropriate time to be myself, in front of God.
“the most appropriate time to be myself” YES, that’s such a good thought. Thank you for that reminder.
This was so good. There is so much in this devotion that I need to just sit and ponder over. My biggest take away is that I can and should bring all of who I am – including my anguish, anger, confusion, disappointment – before God. I can trust Him with every part of my heart.
YES!! It’s so easy to try to mask things to God just like we would to those around us. But God knows us better than we know ourselves!
Recently I finished a Bible study that encouraged us to ask “How is your soul?” instead of “How are you?” I think God always asks “How is your soul?” but I quickly answer to their question.
Yes! Me too. We got some disappointing news yesterday and it’s hard because I was (am?) So frustrated. It seemed like we finally had a direction from God and now…? But God is big enough to handle my feelings and my disappointment and I can be honest with Him. ❤️
Today’s teaching on the First 5 app talks about not going through the motions, but really knowing God. Here is a link: @First5App @Proverbs31org My 22-year-old son recently shared an analogy with me about a guy listening to music with headphones. http://www.first5.org/plans/Ezra%20and%20Nehemiah/ff_o-o_7
I really need to do this. I have been reading the Word for years and listening to teachings, but I need to give myself to Him completely. One of the pastors just said that when you become a Christian, Jesus is the Boss. I need to remember that He is faithful and can be trusted. ““For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV
https://www.bible.com/111/isa.55.8-9.niv
Again, so good and helpful. Especially in a time where quick victories seem to be idolized where as often true recovery can be a long and tough road. Thank you.
Ladies,
I’m so proud to be part of this online sisterhood. Two years ago my family and I were in a terrible situation and I asked for your prayers. By the grace of God, we were delivered from that situation and blessed beyond what we could’ve hoped.
I come to you again, sisters and ask for your prayers. This time it’s for a dear friend who God has really put on my heart. She is not a believer but she seems to be searching. Please pray that God would soften her heart and that I would be able to point her to Christ through my words and actions.
Bless you all.
Certainly praying for your friend and for God’s words through you!
Absolutely. I will pray for her. And I pray that the Holy Spirit would draw her and my unbelieving friends too. I have a few who seem to be searching, and I pray that we can display His goodness with our lives and always be ready to say the HS wants them to hear from us.
Praying for open eyes and ears, softened heart, and salvation for your friend! Asking the Spirit to communicate effectively and gracefully through you.
Just said a prayer for you. Xx