Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Psalms 86-89, and I'll be focusing on Psalm 86, a prayer of David.
Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me; for I am afflicted and needy. Preserve my soul, for I am a godly man; O You my God, save Your servant who trusts in You. Be gracious to me, O LORD, for to You I cry all day long. Make glad the soul of Your servant, For to You, O LORD, I lift up my soul. For You, O LORD, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You. Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer, and give heed to the voice of my supplications! In the day of my trouble I shall call upon You, for You will answer me. There is no one like You among the gods, O LORD, nor are there any works like Yours. All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O LORD, and they shall glorify Your name. For You are great and do wondrous deeds; You alone are God.
Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name. I will give thanks to You, O LORD, my God, with all my heart, and will glorify Your name forever. For Your lovingkindness toward me is great, and You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. O God, arrogant men have risen up against me, and a band of violent men have sought my life, and they have not set You before them. But You, O LORD, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth. Turn to me, and be gracious to me; oh grant Your strength to Your servant, and save the son of Your handmaid. Show me a sign for good, that those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, because You, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.
In this psalm, David cries to God for help because he is being pursued by his enemies (possibly Saul). He asks God to make his soul glad, even in the midst of trouble, and to teach him God's ways. He ends the Psalm by declaring who God is, His character and what He has already done for David.
What I really like about David's prayer psalms is that they are good examples of how to pray. Now, you might hear it taught, as I have, that you should first speak to God in gratitude before asking for anything, and I agree that's a good way to pray. I try to do that myself. However, if you're upset or in the middle of a storm, sometimes we forget that. So, I think David's prayer psalms are a good example of how to pray in those instances.
1) Cry out to God and tell Him what's troubling you.
2) Praise God for how mighty He is
3) Ask God to help you and teach you.
4) Thank God for what He has already done
5) Remind God of His character, who He is, and His promises.
6) Ask for an answer to your prayer, reminding yourself of how God has already helped you.
And that's what I got out of this psalm.
But something I want to mention is that prayer is not an exact formula. David's psalms are great examples, but you don't have to follow them exactly. They were written for David and his problems.
Jesus taught us how to pray, and it's an example we should try to emulate.
But prayer is an intimate conversation between yourself and God, with whom you are striving to have a personal relationship. So when you pray, just talk to God. Don't worry about praying perfectly. Don't worry about having a formula, though if you need one, you can find them throughout the Bible.
Just talk to God. If something is troubling you, He wants to hear it. If something is going well for you, He wants to hear it. If you need something, He wants to hear it. If you have a dream or a desire, He wants to hear it.
And just because you don't get an answer to something immediately, doesn't mean He isn't listening. Sometimes God asks us to wait so that we can learn and grow before we get what we ask for.
Remember, David was on the run from Saul for many years, and in that time he had to learn to rely on God more than he already did.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 90-95.
Saturday, June 30, 2018
Friday, June 29, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 179: God is Judge Over All
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Psalms 80-85, but my focus will be Psalm 82.
God takes His stand in His own congregation; He judges in the midst of the rulers. How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah
Vindicate the weak and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and destitute. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them out of the hand of the wicked. They do not know nor do they understand; they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. I said "You are gods, and all of you are sons of the Most High. Nevertheless you will die like men and fall like any one of the princes." Arise, O God, judge the earth! For it is You who possess all the nations.
Okay. Now, I know I said I don't like Asaph's psalms, and that is true about 80% of the time.
This one, though, is awesome.
In this Psalm, Asaph cries out to God, reminding Him that He possesses all the nations, and asking Him to rise up and judge fairly and righteously, unlike the judges of the earth who show the wrong kind of bias.
What I really like about this psalm is how relevant it is even today.
There are judges today who judge unfairly, or unrighteously. Their focus is on the wrong thing, and so they do not truly seek justice.
When I read something in the Bible that is completely relevant so many years later, it always makes me smile. No matter what I'm going through, or what is going on in the world, I'm reminded that it isn't new.
And then I'm reminded of one of my favorite verses:
Ecclesiastes 1:9 - That which has been is that which will be, and that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun.
So, the next time someone you know is panicking or complaining about a "new" injustice, remind them of this verse, and then remind them that God is in charge and always has been. He may give us all free will and let us make our own choices, but He will be the Judge in the end. All the earth is His, and that includes all nations.
It's important for us not to get caught up in fear or anger over what's going on around us. Instead, we must seek God's peace as we cry out to Him, asking Him to move in situations that are unjust.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 86-89.
Today I read Psalms 80-85, but my focus will be Psalm 82.
God takes His stand in His own congregation; He judges in the midst of the rulers. How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah
Vindicate the weak and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and destitute. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them out of the hand of the wicked. They do not know nor do they understand; they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. I said "You are gods, and all of you are sons of the Most High. Nevertheless you will die like men and fall like any one of the princes." Arise, O God, judge the earth! For it is You who possess all the nations.
Okay. Now, I know I said I don't like Asaph's psalms, and that is true about 80% of the time.
This one, though, is awesome.
In this Psalm, Asaph cries out to God, reminding Him that He possesses all the nations, and asking Him to rise up and judge fairly and righteously, unlike the judges of the earth who show the wrong kind of bias.
What I really like about this psalm is how relevant it is even today.
There are judges today who judge unfairly, or unrighteously. Their focus is on the wrong thing, and so they do not truly seek justice.
When I read something in the Bible that is completely relevant so many years later, it always makes me smile. No matter what I'm going through, or what is going on in the world, I'm reminded that it isn't new.
And then I'm reminded of one of my favorite verses:
Ecclesiastes 1:9 - That which has been is that which will be, and that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun.
So, the next time someone you know is panicking or complaining about a "new" injustice, remind them of this verse, and then remind them that God is in charge and always has been. He may give us all free will and let us make our own choices, but He will be the Judge in the end. All the earth is His, and that includes all nations.
It's important for us not to get caught up in fear or anger over what's going on around us. Instead, we must seek God's peace as we cry out to Him, asking Him to move in situations that are unjust.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 86-89.
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 178: When We Feel Invaded
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Psalms 78-79. I'll be honest, these are two more from Asaph, and I didn't find anything that really grabbed me, but I'll talk a little about Psalm 79, particularly verses 1-5.
O God, the nations have invaded Your inheritance; they have defiled Your holy temple; they have laid Jerusalem in ruins. They have given the dead bodies of Your servants for food to the birds of the heavens, the flesh of Your godly ones to the beasts of the earth. They have poured out their blood like water round about Jerusalem; and there was no one to bury them. We have become a reproach to our neighbors, a scoffing and derision to those around us. How long, O LORD? Will You be angry forever? Will Your jealousy burn like fire?
I found this to be relevant even today. Especially with what's going on in the middle east - the fighting over Jerusalem and the promised land.
In addition, it's also relevant on a less literal level.
Has anyone felt like this? Has anyone besides me ever felt like a reproach to your neighbors? Felt scoffed at?
Has anyone else ever felt like the Enemy won a battle against you and it leaves you exhausted and battered like you've just been in the ring up against Ali without boxing gloves?
It makes you feel like your territory has been invaded, and it makes you ask "How long, O Lord?" I have. And it isn't fun at all.
I've found that when I feel like that, however, it's usually because I tried to fight a battle I was unequipped for. Remember, we talked about how God fights battles, and just waits for us to ask. Sometimes I don't ask. Sometimes I think I can handle it on my own. And I'm wrong. I always need God's help.
If you feel like this today, I encourage you to ask God for a renewed strength and help in any upcoming battles. The Enemy doesn't pull his punches, so remember what hits him hardest: the true and pure Word of God.
The Enemy lies. And his greatest triumph is when we believe lies about ourselves and about God.
So, I encourage you to study what God's Word says about you and about Him. So that when the Enemy invades your territory you'll be prepared. And when the Enemy comes at you with lies, hit him back with the Truth.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 80-85.
Today I read Psalms 78-79. I'll be honest, these are two more from Asaph, and I didn't find anything that really grabbed me, but I'll talk a little about Psalm 79, particularly verses 1-5.
O God, the nations have invaded Your inheritance; they have defiled Your holy temple; they have laid Jerusalem in ruins. They have given the dead bodies of Your servants for food to the birds of the heavens, the flesh of Your godly ones to the beasts of the earth. They have poured out their blood like water round about Jerusalem; and there was no one to bury them. We have become a reproach to our neighbors, a scoffing and derision to those around us. How long, O LORD? Will You be angry forever? Will Your jealousy burn like fire?
I found this to be relevant even today. Especially with what's going on in the middle east - the fighting over Jerusalem and the promised land.
In addition, it's also relevant on a less literal level.
Has anyone felt like this? Has anyone besides me ever felt like a reproach to your neighbors? Felt scoffed at?
Has anyone else ever felt like the Enemy won a battle against you and it leaves you exhausted and battered like you've just been in the ring up against Ali without boxing gloves?
It makes you feel like your territory has been invaded, and it makes you ask "How long, O Lord?" I have. And it isn't fun at all.
I've found that when I feel like that, however, it's usually because I tried to fight a battle I was unequipped for. Remember, we talked about how God fights battles, and just waits for us to ask. Sometimes I don't ask. Sometimes I think I can handle it on my own. And I'm wrong. I always need God's help.
If you feel like this today, I encourage you to ask God for a renewed strength and help in any upcoming battles. The Enemy doesn't pull his punches, so remember what hits him hardest: the true and pure Word of God.
The Enemy lies. And his greatest triumph is when we believe lies about ourselves and about God.
So, I encourage you to study what God's Word says about you and about Him. So that when the Enemy invades your territory you'll be prepared. And when the Enemy comes at you with lies, hit him back with the Truth.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 80-85.
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 177: Your Way, O God, is Holy
Good afternoon, everyone!
Today I read Psalms 74-77, but I'm going to focus on part of Psalm 77.
I'll be honest, I don't like most of Asaph's psalms. They don't speak to me the way David's do. They can even be a little depressing.
But I found part of Psalm 77 to be good. Let me share it.
Psalm 77:11-15 - I shall remember the deeds of the LORD; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will meditate on all Your work and muse on Your deeds. Your way, O God, is holy; What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your strength among the peoples.
What god is like our God? What god is holy like our God? What god works wonders and miracles like our God? What other god can claim such perfection?
Our God is holy. He is mighty. He is wonderful. He is merciful. Our God was, is, and always will be. His ways are perfect.
And that can be daunting if you think about it long enough. But I like to remember that He is merciful. He knows we aren't perfect.
That's why He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross. He knew we weren't perfect, and that our inclination toward imperfection would separate us from Him. That's also why we can rely on Him. When we mess up, we fess up, and He will forgive us. He will lead us back to the perfection of His holiness.
And I enjoy reading verses that remind me of that.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 78-79.
Today I read Psalms 74-77, but I'm going to focus on part of Psalm 77.
I'll be honest, I don't like most of Asaph's psalms. They don't speak to me the way David's do. They can even be a little depressing.
But I found part of Psalm 77 to be good. Let me share it.
Psalm 77:11-15 - I shall remember the deeds of the LORD; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will meditate on all Your work and muse on Your deeds. Your way, O God, is holy; What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your strength among the peoples.
What god is like our God? What god is holy like our God? What god works wonders and miracles like our God? What other god can claim such perfection?
Our God is holy. He is mighty. He is wonderful. He is merciful. Our God was, is, and always will be. His ways are perfect.
And that can be daunting if you think about it long enough. But I like to remember that He is merciful. He knows we aren't perfect.
That's why He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross. He knew we weren't perfect, and that our inclination toward imperfection would separate us from Him. That's also why we can rely on Him. When we mess up, we fess up, and He will forgive us. He will lead us back to the perfection of His holiness.
And I enjoy reading verses that remind me of that.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 78-79.
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 176: Whom Have I in Heaven but You?
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Psalms 70-73, and I'm going to focus on Psalm 73.
This psalm was written by Asaph. Did you know not all the psalms were written by David? I was so surprised when I learned that a few years ago. Now, I try to pay attention to who wrote the psalm before I read it.
Today I'm only going to focus on part of the psalm. Verses 25-28, to be exact.
Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You. But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the LORD GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.
Does any of that sound familiar? Some of these verses are used in a few songs that I know. The psalms are used in a lot of modern worship songs.
I love these verses. If we have God, we have all that we need. There is nothing we need besides Him, and He is what we should desire the most.
No matter what goes wrong, or what fails in our bodies or our emotions, God is always with us. He is our strength. He is our refuge, and we should tell of all He has done for us.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 74-77.
Today I read Psalms 70-73, and I'm going to focus on Psalm 73.
This psalm was written by Asaph. Did you know not all the psalms were written by David? I was so surprised when I learned that a few years ago. Now, I try to pay attention to who wrote the psalm before I read it.
Today I'm only going to focus on part of the psalm. Verses 25-28, to be exact.
Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You. But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the LORD GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.
Does any of that sound familiar? Some of these verses are used in a few songs that I know. The psalms are used in a lot of modern worship songs.
I love these verses. If we have God, we have all that we need. There is nothing we need besides Him, and He is what we should desire the most.
No matter what goes wrong, or what fails in our bodies or our emotions, God is always with us. He is our strength. He is our refuge, and we should tell of all He has done for us.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 74-77.
Monday, June 25, 2018
Media Monday: I Can Only Imagine
Good afternoon, everyone!
Today, in addition to my RBY post, I also have a movie recommendation!
My recommendation today is I Can Only Imagine.
It's the story of Bart Millard's life, and how Mercy Me came to be a band. It's about how they struggled, as well as how their first number one song came to be. It's a story of hope and forgiveness.
And I'm not the least ashamed to tell you that I cried at the end. Not just because the movie was good, either.
I mean, the first few notes of the song played, and I was gone. I hit my bed face-down in worship, and I had to rewind the movie so that I could watch the last part of it.
I love music, and this song has always been an inspiration to me. And to finally learn how it came about...wow. Just wow.
One other thing I will say and then I'll let you go watch the movie - because I know you will now. Right?
It's easy for me to find good movies. It's easy for me to find inspirational movies. And songs. It's very difficult for me to find a movie that inspires me throughout, and then uses a song to catapult me so deeply into God's presence that it's a while before I come out.
And it's an amazing experience.
I hope you enjoy the movie, whether it has the same affect on you or not. It truly is an inspirational story.
Today, in addition to my RBY post, I also have a movie recommendation!
My recommendation today is I Can Only Imagine.
It's the story of Bart Millard's life, and how Mercy Me came to be a band. It's about how they struggled, as well as how their first number one song came to be. It's a story of hope and forgiveness.
And I'm not the least ashamed to tell you that I cried at the end. Not just because the movie was good, either.
I mean, the first few notes of the song played, and I was gone. I hit my bed face-down in worship, and I had to rewind the movie so that I could watch the last part of it.
I love music, and this song has always been an inspiration to me. And to finally learn how it came about...wow. Just wow.
One other thing I will say and then I'll let you go watch the movie - because I know you will now. Right?
It's easy for me to find good movies. It's easy for me to find inspirational movies. And songs. It's very difficult for me to find a movie that inspires me throughout, and then uses a song to catapult me so deeply into God's presence that it's a while before I come out.
And it's an amazing experience.
I hope you enjoy the movie, whether it has the same affect on you or not. It truly is an inspirational story.
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 175: God Blesses Us
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Psalms 66-69, but I'll be focusing on Psalm 67.
There were so many Psalms that I wanted to talk about today, but 67 stood out to me, plus it was the shortest.
God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us--Selah. That Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations. Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You. The earth has yielded its produce; God, our God, blesses us. God blesses us, that all the ends of the earth may fear Him.
God blesses His people who serve Him, so that all people may see His glory.
And we should praise Him for all that He has done, and for all that He is going to do.
One day, all peoples will praise Him, but His people should praise Him now, willingly and with gladness.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 70-73.
Today I read Psalms 66-69, but I'll be focusing on Psalm 67.
There were so many Psalms that I wanted to talk about today, but 67 stood out to me, plus it was the shortest.
God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us--Selah. That Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations. Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You. The earth has yielded its produce; God, our God, blesses us. God blesses us, that all the ends of the earth may fear Him.
God blesses His people who serve Him, so that all people may see His glory.
And we should praise Him for all that He has done, and for all that He is going to do.
One day, all peoples will praise Him, but His people should praise Him now, willingly and with gladness.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 70-73.
Sunday, June 24, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 174: I Will Sing Praise
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Psalms 58-65, but I'll be focusing on Psalm 61.
Hear my cry, O God; give heed to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy. Let me dwell in Your tent forever; let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah.
For You have heard my vows, O God; You have given me the inheritance of those who fear Your name. You will prolong the king's life; his years will be as many generations. He will abide before God forever; appoint lovingkindness and truth that they may preserve him. So I will sing praise to Your name forever, that I may pay my vows day by day.
I love David's Psalms. Have I mentioned that before? He was in such trouble, and he cried out to God so often and so loudly. Can you feel his heart in these?
And God answered him, as David knew He would. David's psalms are my favorites because, even when they begin in despair, they always end in praise.
David never forgot where his help came from, and he sought God and cried out to Him. Yet he always remembered to praise God too.
In this psalm I just shared, David mentioned that God heard his vows. God knew David's heart, and what he had promised. And at the end, David says that he will sing praises to God forever, so that he can fulfill his vows every day.
It sounds as though David made a vow (very serious stuff) to praise God every day.
That's amazing! With everything he was going through, it would have been easy to decide that he just didn't have time to praise God.
But David knew that was the most important thing he could do.
Such an important lesson.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 66-69.
Today I read Psalms 58-65, but I'll be focusing on Psalm 61.
Hear my cry, O God; give heed to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy. Let me dwell in Your tent forever; let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah.
For You have heard my vows, O God; You have given me the inheritance of those who fear Your name. You will prolong the king's life; his years will be as many generations. He will abide before God forever; appoint lovingkindness and truth that they may preserve him. So I will sing praise to Your name forever, that I may pay my vows day by day.
I love David's Psalms. Have I mentioned that before? He was in such trouble, and he cried out to God so often and so loudly. Can you feel his heart in these?
And God answered him, as David knew He would. David's psalms are my favorites because, even when they begin in despair, they always end in praise.
David never forgot where his help came from, and he sought God and cried out to Him. Yet he always remembered to praise God too.
In this psalm I just shared, David mentioned that God heard his vows. God knew David's heart, and what he had promised. And at the end, David says that he will sing praises to God forever, so that he can fulfill his vows every day.
It sounds as though David made a vow (very serious stuff) to praise God every day.
That's amazing! With everything he was going through, it would have been easy to decide that he just didn't have time to praise God.
But David knew that was the most important thing he could do.
Such an important lesson.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 66-69.
Saturday, June 23, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 173: Save Me, O Lord
Good evening, everyone!
Today I read Psalms 51-57, but I'll be focusing on Psalm 54.
This psalm was written when Saul was still seeking David, and the Ziphites had given him up to Saul.
Save me, O God, by Your name, and vindicate me by Your power. Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth. For strangers have risen against me and violent men have sought my life; they have not set God before them. Selah
No matter who comes against us, God is always with us. Those who do not revere God will fail.
Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul. He will recompense the evil to my foes; destroy them in Your faithfulness.
God is faithful to help us. He sustains our souls. He is just, and will repay evil.
Willingly I will sacrifice to You; I will give thanks to Your name, O LORD, for it is good. For He has delivered me from all trouble, and my eye has looked with satisfaction upon my enemies.
God wants us to sacrifice to Him willingly: our time, our gifts, our tithes. Because He has already delivered us from so many of our troubles, and is faithful to continue to deliver us.
We can cry "Save me, O Lord," with confidence.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalm 58-65.
Today I read Psalms 51-57, but I'll be focusing on Psalm 54.
This psalm was written when Saul was still seeking David, and the Ziphites had given him up to Saul.
Save me, O God, by Your name, and vindicate me by Your power. Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth. For strangers have risen against me and violent men have sought my life; they have not set God before them. Selah
No matter who comes against us, God is always with us. Those who do not revere God will fail.
Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul. He will recompense the evil to my foes; destroy them in Your faithfulness.
God is faithful to help us. He sustains our souls. He is just, and will repay evil.
Willingly I will sacrifice to You; I will give thanks to Your name, O LORD, for it is good. For He has delivered me from all trouble, and my eye has looked with satisfaction upon my enemies.
God wants us to sacrifice to Him willingly: our time, our gifts, our tithes. Because He has already delivered us from so many of our troubles, and is faithful to continue to deliver us.
We can cry "Save me, O Lord," with confidence.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalm 58-65.
Friday, June 22, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 172: God is Our Refuge
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Psalms 46-50, but I'll focus on Psalm 46.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah
God is our refuge and strength. How often do we hear that? This psalm is often quoted. How often have we heard it? But are we really listening? Take a moment to read each line. No matter what happens, God is our refuge. He gives us strength to endure and helps us not to fear, even if the very earth fell apart.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy dwelling places of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered; He raised His voice, the earth melted. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah
I want to take a moment to point out part of this psalm. First, God's dwelling place, His city, will never be moved. Second, God spoke, and the very earth melted. Now, I'm not sure what the sons of Korah intended with that line, but I think it can be taken two ways.
First: literal. The earth. The planet on which we dwell. God opens His mouth and it melts. Such is His power.
Second: spiritual. The earth. Us. People. We are made from dust, and so we are the earth. God opens His mouth and speaks to us, and our spirits and hearts melt and soften within us.
Come, behold the works of the LORD, who has wrought desolations in the earth. He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire. "Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah
Come and behold the works of the Lord. Look how amazing our God is. I love that line.
God does so many amazing things.
He created the earth. He created animals. He created people.
He makes wars to cease, and fighting to stop.
Now, He hasn't made the physical fighting stop yet, but He will. One day, when He returns, He will defeat the Enemy once and for all, and all fighting will cease, with our King victorious.
In the meantime, He causes spiritual fighting to stop. Now, that doesn't mean we don't ever have to fight. But remember: God is our refuge and our strength. We will go through spiritual battles, but God fights for us. He wants to fight for us. He is only waiting for us to ask.
Well, that's all for today. I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 51-57.
And remember, if you need refuge, strength, or help, cry out to God, who is eager to fight for you.
Today I read Psalms 46-50, but I'll focus on Psalm 46.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah
God is our refuge and strength. How often do we hear that? This psalm is often quoted. How often have we heard it? But are we really listening? Take a moment to read each line. No matter what happens, God is our refuge. He gives us strength to endure and helps us not to fear, even if the very earth fell apart.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy dwelling places of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered; He raised His voice, the earth melted. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah
I want to take a moment to point out part of this psalm. First, God's dwelling place, His city, will never be moved. Second, God spoke, and the very earth melted. Now, I'm not sure what the sons of Korah intended with that line, but I think it can be taken two ways.
First: literal. The earth. The planet on which we dwell. God opens His mouth and it melts. Such is His power.
Second: spiritual. The earth. Us. People. We are made from dust, and so we are the earth. God opens His mouth and speaks to us, and our spirits and hearts melt and soften within us.
Come, behold the works of the LORD, who has wrought desolations in the earth. He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire. "Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah
Come and behold the works of the Lord. Look how amazing our God is. I love that line.
God does so many amazing things.
He created the earth. He created animals. He created people.
He makes wars to cease, and fighting to stop.
Now, He hasn't made the physical fighting stop yet, but He will. One day, when He returns, He will defeat the Enemy once and for all, and all fighting will cease, with our King victorious.
In the meantime, He causes spiritual fighting to stop. Now, that doesn't mean we don't ever have to fight. But remember: God is our refuge and our strength. We will go through spiritual battles, but God fights for us. He wants to fight for us. He is only waiting for us to ask.
Well, that's all for today. I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 51-57.
And remember, if you need refuge, strength, or help, cry out to God, who is eager to fight for you.
Thursday, June 21, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 171: Why Are You in Despair?
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Psalms 40-45, but I'm going to focus on Psalm 42, which is a psalm of the sons of Korah.
As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" These things I remember and I pour out my soul within me.
Our spirits long for God and desire nothing more than to be in His presence. Yet, our Enemy would have us to question where our God is in times of trouble.
For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God, with the voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival.
Sometimes, beginning to question God can lessen our enjoyment of His presence, and can even cause us to rethink joining others in His house.
Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence. O my God, my soul is in despair within me; therefore I remember You from the land of the Jordan and the peaks of Hermon from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls; all Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me. The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime; and His song will be with me in the night. A prayer to the God of my life.
When things seem to be going wrong, and we can't see God's presence in our lives, it's important to remember all of the other things God has done in our lives, so that we remember how faithful He is. Continue to pray to Him, and He will answer.
I will say to God my rock, "Why have You forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of my enemy?" As a shattering of my bones, my adversaries revile me, while they say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.
Sometimes we feel the need to ask God where He is. And sometimes that's okay. We are only flesh, and sometimes doubt creeps in. And that's okay too. Just don't stop talking to God. If you're struggling, talk to Him. If you're doubting, talk to Him. Tell Him, so He can help you. Yet, continue to praise Him and do not forget all the wonderful thing He has already done.
Our hope is in God, and when doubt and sorrow begin to creep in, we can say "Why are you in despair, O my soul? My hope is in God, who is faithful."
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 46-50.
Today I read Psalms 40-45, but I'm going to focus on Psalm 42, which is a psalm of the sons of Korah.
As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" These things I remember and I pour out my soul within me.
Our spirits long for God and desire nothing more than to be in His presence. Yet, our Enemy would have us to question where our God is in times of trouble.
For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God, with the voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival.
Sometimes, beginning to question God can lessen our enjoyment of His presence, and can even cause us to rethink joining others in His house.
Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence. O my God, my soul is in despair within me; therefore I remember You from the land of the Jordan and the peaks of Hermon from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls; all Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me. The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime; and His song will be with me in the night. A prayer to the God of my life.
When things seem to be going wrong, and we can't see God's presence in our lives, it's important to remember all of the other things God has done in our lives, so that we remember how faithful He is. Continue to pray to Him, and He will answer.
I will say to God my rock, "Why have You forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of my enemy?" As a shattering of my bones, my adversaries revile me, while they say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.
Sometimes we feel the need to ask God where He is. And sometimes that's okay. We are only flesh, and sometimes doubt creeps in. And that's okay too. Just don't stop talking to God. If you're struggling, talk to Him. If you're doubting, talk to Him. Tell Him, so He can help you. Yet, continue to praise Him and do not forget all the wonderful thing He has already done.
Our hope is in God, and when doubt and sorrow begin to creep in, we can say "Why are you in despair, O my soul? My hope is in God, who is faithful."
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 46-50.
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 170: Your Lovingkindness, O Lord
Good afternoon, everyone!
Today I read Psalms 36-39, but I'm going to focus on part of Psalm 36.
Psalm 36:5-9 - Your lovingkindness, O LORD, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; Your judgments are like a great deep. O LORD, You preserve man and beast. How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; and You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light, we see light.
God's faithfulness extends to the skies. God's lovingkindness abounds. He sustains us and we can take refuge in Him. In Him, we find eternal life.
I love the psalms, if you couldn't tell. Each one is so beautiful, a song of praise to God. Each one is also a lesson. There is something to be learned from the way David spoke of God, from the specific words he chose.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 40-45.
Today I read Psalms 36-39, but I'm going to focus on part of Psalm 36.
Psalm 36:5-9 - Your lovingkindness, O LORD, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; Your judgments are like a great deep. O LORD, You preserve man and beast. How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; and You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light, we see light.
God's faithfulness extends to the skies. God's lovingkindness abounds. He sustains us and we can take refuge in Him. In Him, we find eternal life.
I love the psalms, if you couldn't tell. Each one is so beautiful, a song of praise to God. Each one is also a lesson. There is something to be learned from the way David spoke of God, from the specific words he chose.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 40-45.
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 169: Do Not Keep Silent, O Lord
Good afternoon, everyone!
Today I read Psalms 32-35, but I will be focusing on part of Psalm 35.
Psalm 35:1 - Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me.
David goes on to offer praises to God and then to ask how long God will continue to look on while enemies surround him, while troubles come upon him. And then he will offer great thanks unto God.
Psalm 35:22 - You have seen it, O LORD, do not keep silent; O LORD, do not be far from me.
Even as David, sometimes we utter this prayer. "O Lord, be near me, and do not keep silence in my trouble."
David's psalms are especially moving, and it's always amazing to me that even when he cried out for help, he always turned it back around to praise.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 36-39.
Today I read Psalms 32-35, but I will be focusing on part of Psalm 35.
Psalm 35:1 - Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me.
David goes on to offer praises to God and then to ask how long God will continue to look on while enemies surround him, while troubles come upon him. And then he will offer great thanks unto God.
Psalm 35:22 - You have seen it, O LORD, do not keep silent; O LORD, do not be far from me.
Even as David, sometimes we utter this prayer. "O Lord, be near me, and do not keep silence in my trouble."
David's psalms are especially moving, and it's always amazing to me that even when he cried out for help, he always turned it back around to praise.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 36-39.
Monday, June 18, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 168: Wait for the Lord
Good afternoon, everyone!
Today I read Psalms 26-31.
Today I'm going to focus on Psalm 27.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in spite of this, I shall be confident.
David's confidence is inspiring. No matter what came against him, no matter who his enemies were, he knew that God was big enough, strong enough, and faithful enough to handle it. David's faith never wavered.
One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD and to meditate in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret places of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. And now my head will be lifted above my enemies around me, and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.
David wanted to dwell in the house of the Lord forever. How many of us can say that?
I mean, of course we all say "I want to live with God in heaven for eternity." But what about spending time in His house now?
There are days when I could spend all my time in God's house and be so happy. And then there are days when I keep looking at my watch. "Is it time for lunch yet?"
We should all aspire to have David's attitude. We should all want to worship in God's house all the time. We should want to spend as much of our time praising God as we can.
Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice, and be gracious to me and answer me. When You said, "Seek my face," my heart said to You, "Your face, O LORD, I shall seek." Do not hide Your face from me, do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation! For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me up.
No matter who turns from you on earth - your friends, your parents, your siblings - God will never turn from you or forsake you. He will always hear you and answer you. And all He wants is that we should seek His face.
We should seek His face rather than His hand. Seek Him for who He is, not just what He can do for us.
Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me in a level path because of my foes. Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence. I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.
David asked God to teach him the ways of righteousness. To keep him safe in the midst of his troubles. And then David encouraged himself by reminding himself of the goodness of God that he had seen, and then reminded himself to wait for God.
God's timing is perfect. He is never late. Never early. Always on time. David knew that even though he couldn't see the end of his troubles, God knew when that time would be, and that all he had to do was wait on God's timing, and keep trusting Him.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 32-35.
Today I read Psalms 26-31.
Today I'm going to focus on Psalm 27.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in spite of this, I shall be confident.
David's confidence is inspiring. No matter what came against him, no matter who his enemies were, he knew that God was big enough, strong enough, and faithful enough to handle it. David's faith never wavered.
One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD and to meditate in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret places of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. And now my head will be lifted above my enemies around me, and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.
David wanted to dwell in the house of the Lord forever. How many of us can say that?
I mean, of course we all say "I want to live with God in heaven for eternity." But what about spending time in His house now?
There are days when I could spend all my time in God's house and be so happy. And then there are days when I keep looking at my watch. "Is it time for lunch yet?"
We should all aspire to have David's attitude. We should all want to worship in God's house all the time. We should want to spend as much of our time praising God as we can.
Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice, and be gracious to me and answer me. When You said, "Seek my face," my heart said to You, "Your face, O LORD, I shall seek." Do not hide Your face from me, do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation! For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me up.
No matter who turns from you on earth - your friends, your parents, your siblings - God will never turn from you or forsake you. He will always hear you and answer you. And all He wants is that we should seek His face.
We should seek His face rather than His hand. Seek Him for who He is, not just what He can do for us.
Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me in a level path because of my foes. Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence. I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.
David asked God to teach him the ways of righteousness. To keep him safe in the midst of his troubles. And then David encouraged himself by reminding himself of the goodness of God that he had seen, and then reminded himself to wait for God.
God's timing is perfect. He is never late. Never early. Always on time. David knew that even though he couldn't see the end of his troubles, God knew when that time would be, and that all he had to do was wait on God's timing, and keep trusting Him.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 32-35.
Sunday, June 17, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 167: The Lord is My Shepherd
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Psalms 21-25, but my focus today will be on the 23rd Psalm.
You all probably know it, because it is used a lot, but I'll write it here anyway.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; he guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness (mercy) will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
David wrote this for a specific time and a specific place, but let's go over this a little and apply it to our own lives.
God leads and guides us in righteousness for His own glory and our good.
He protects us and we have no reason to fear, even in the face of death.
He comforts us in the midst of trouble.
He blesses us even among those who would see us fail.
He has chosen us as His own, and anointed us for a purpose.
His mercy is always with us, and we will be with Him forevermore.
I hope you gained a new understanding of the 23rd Psalm today, or just a refresher. I also hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 26-31.
Today I read Psalms 21-25, but my focus today will be on the 23rd Psalm.
You all probably know it, because it is used a lot, but I'll write it here anyway.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; he guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness (mercy) will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
David wrote this for a specific time and a specific place, but let's go over this a little and apply it to our own lives.
God leads and guides us in righteousness for His own glory and our good.
He protects us and we have no reason to fear, even in the face of death.
He comforts us in the midst of trouble.
He blesses us even among those who would see us fail.
He has chosen us as His own, and anointed us for a purpose.
His mercy is always with us, and we will be with Him forevermore.
I hope you gained a new understanding of the 23rd Psalm today, or just a refresher. I also hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 26-31.
Saturday, June 16, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 166: O Lord, My Strength
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Psalms 17-20.
Today's focus will be on Psalm 18. Now, it's pretty long, so I'm only going to cover part of it today.
Psalm 18:1-3 - "I love You, O Lord, my strength." The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.
Now, if a lot of David's psalms seem like cries for help, or thanks to God for deliverance, that's because they were. David spent many years on the run from Saul, who wanted to take his life (for this story, see 1st and 2nd Samuel), so he wrote a lot of psalms to God about deliverance.
But I just love David's psalms. Even when they begin with "Help!" they end with "But I will trust You," or "Thank You, Lord." They are a great example of how our prayers should go.
Even if we begin with pleas for help, or cries for deliverance from a situation, our prayers should always end with words of thanksgiving, praise, and gratitude. The storm is not all there is. God has done a lot for us. And at least part of our prayer - probably the beginning and the end - should be used for remembrance and gratitude for what God has already done, and just for who He is.
David's psalms are a great example of this.
God is our strength and our refuge. We can always come to Him, always cry out to Him, and He always hears us. He may not deliver us right away - even David had to wait a long time for his deliverance - but God always takes care of us, just as He took care of David.
The situation may be bad. It may seem like it's getting worse. But most of us don't have it as bad as David - running for our very lives.
When something goes wrong in my life, it often seems like the world is ending. But I have to remind myself that it's not. And that it could always be worse.
That's not always easy, when all I want to do is whine and complain, when all I want is for God to make it better right now.
But I'm learning to trust Him more with every new situation, whether it's bad or just makes me nervous.
I'm learning not to worry so much, though I can't help worrying a little.
I'm learning to pray better. To tell God how much I love Him, and how much I trust Him. How good He is. How faithful.
And you know what? Saying it aloud, makes me believe it more too. And the situation doesn't seem as bad.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalm 21-25.
Today I read Psalms 17-20.
Today's focus will be on Psalm 18. Now, it's pretty long, so I'm only going to cover part of it today.
Psalm 18:1-3 - "I love You, O Lord, my strength." The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.
Now, if a lot of David's psalms seem like cries for help, or thanks to God for deliverance, that's because they were. David spent many years on the run from Saul, who wanted to take his life (for this story, see 1st and 2nd Samuel), so he wrote a lot of psalms to God about deliverance.
But I just love David's psalms. Even when they begin with "Help!" they end with "But I will trust You," or "Thank You, Lord." They are a great example of how our prayers should go.
Even if we begin with pleas for help, or cries for deliverance from a situation, our prayers should always end with words of thanksgiving, praise, and gratitude. The storm is not all there is. God has done a lot for us. And at least part of our prayer - probably the beginning and the end - should be used for remembrance and gratitude for what God has already done, and just for who He is.
David's psalms are a great example of this.
God is our strength and our refuge. We can always come to Him, always cry out to Him, and He always hears us. He may not deliver us right away - even David had to wait a long time for his deliverance - but God always takes care of us, just as He took care of David.
The situation may be bad. It may seem like it's getting worse. But most of us don't have it as bad as David - running for our very lives.
When something goes wrong in my life, it often seems like the world is ending. But I have to remind myself that it's not. And that it could always be worse.
That's not always easy, when all I want to do is whine and complain, when all I want is for God to make it better right now.
But I'm learning to trust Him more with every new situation, whether it's bad or just makes me nervous.
I'm learning not to worry so much, though I can't help worrying a little.
I'm learning to pray better. To tell God how much I love Him, and how much I trust Him. How good He is. How faithful.
And you know what? Saying it aloud, makes me believe it more too. And the situation doesn't seem as bad.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalm 21-25.
Friday, June 15, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 165: How Long, O Lord?
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Psalm 9-16.
I realized, however, that the way I did the post yesterday isn't going to work for the Psalms. So, rather than talking about bits from every psalm, rather I'm just going to choose one psalm and go over it. Later, I really will do a blog post on each psalm, and then I can just link back to these posts.
Moving on. Today I chose Psalm 13.
How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul? Having sorrow in my heart all the day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death, and my enemy will say, "I have overcome him," and my adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken. But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, because He has dealt bountifully with me.
Has anyone felt like this before? I have. And so did David. Naturally, his life wasn't perfect, and he was often surrounded by enemies - sometimes literally.
We can feel like that sometimes. At home. At work. At church (yikes!). At school. We can feel like we are surrounded by enemies. We can feel like God has forgotten us. "How long, O Lord, will You hide from me?" We cry out to Him, and it feels like He isn't listening. Like He isn't moving on our behalf. We can feel like we are surrounded by enemies.
But. And then comes the "but." David was really good at using the word "but."
"But I have trusted in our lovingkindness; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation."
But.
I am surrounded by enemies. But.
I hate my job. But.
I get bullied at school. But.
My coworkers incite me to anger. But.
My boss is trying to get me fired. But.
My spouse and I are fighting. But.
I was hurt by someone at church. But.
My kids don't respect me. But.
My parents don't understand me. But.
But.
I will trust in the Lord. I will trust in His lovingkindness. I will trust in His salvation.
Even though I can't see the outcome, I know that God works all things together for my good. Even though He feels far away, I know He is always with me. Even though it seems the situation will never get better, I know God is faithful. Even though I want a solution now, I know God's timing is perfect.
By the way, let's take a moment to look at what lovingkindness means. It means "tenderness and consideration toward others,"1 or "tender kindness motivated by or expressing affection."2
God loves you. God loves all of us. He is tender and affectionate toward us. And He expresses that through kindness and consideration. He always takes care of us. All we need to do is ask.
It may not manifest exactly as we thought it would, or exactly as we wanted - He is our Heavenly Father, after all, and He knows more than we do. But it will manifest in a blessing that is beyond what we could have ever imagined. God only wants what is good for us. He may not give us exactly what we want, but He will always gives us exactly what we need. And then some.
Remember, His lovingkindness and mercy abound. No matter how many enemies surround you, God is on your side. Trust in Him, and seek His counsel.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 17-20.
Today I read Psalm 9-16.
I realized, however, that the way I did the post yesterday isn't going to work for the Psalms. So, rather than talking about bits from every psalm, rather I'm just going to choose one psalm and go over it. Later, I really will do a blog post on each psalm, and then I can just link back to these posts.
Moving on. Today I chose Psalm 13.
How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul? Having sorrow in my heart all the day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death, and my enemy will say, "I have overcome him," and my adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken. But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, because He has dealt bountifully with me.
Has anyone felt like this before? I have. And so did David. Naturally, his life wasn't perfect, and he was often surrounded by enemies - sometimes literally.
We can feel like that sometimes. At home. At work. At church (yikes!). At school. We can feel like we are surrounded by enemies. We can feel like God has forgotten us. "How long, O Lord, will You hide from me?" We cry out to Him, and it feels like He isn't listening. Like He isn't moving on our behalf. We can feel like we are surrounded by enemies.
But. And then comes the "but." David was really good at using the word "but."
"But I have trusted in our lovingkindness; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation."
But.
I am surrounded by enemies. But.
I hate my job. But.
I get bullied at school. But.
My coworkers incite me to anger. But.
My boss is trying to get me fired. But.
My spouse and I are fighting. But.
I was hurt by someone at church. But.
My kids don't respect me. But.
My parents don't understand me. But.
But.
I will trust in the Lord. I will trust in His lovingkindness. I will trust in His salvation.
Even though I can't see the outcome, I know that God works all things together for my good. Even though He feels far away, I know He is always with me. Even though it seems the situation will never get better, I know God is faithful. Even though I want a solution now, I know God's timing is perfect.
By the way, let's take a moment to look at what lovingkindness means. It means "tenderness and consideration toward others,"1 or "tender kindness motivated by or expressing affection."2
God loves you. God loves all of us. He is tender and affectionate toward us. And He expresses that through kindness and consideration. He always takes care of us. All we need to do is ask.
It may not manifest exactly as we thought it would, or exactly as we wanted - He is our Heavenly Father, after all, and He knows more than we do. But it will manifest in a blessing that is beyond what we could have ever imagined. God only wants what is good for us. He may not give us exactly what we want, but He will always gives us exactly what we need. And then some.
Remember, His lovingkindness and mercy abound. No matter how many enemies surround you, God is on your side. Trust in Him, and seek His counsel.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 17-20.
Thursday, June 14, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 164: Beginning the Psalms
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Psalms 1-8.
I love the Psalms! I really do. And there is so much I would like to share today. Well, I don't have too much to talk about, but I wish I could share every part of all the eight psalms I read today. But the post would be too long.
So, instead, I'm going to share some of the highlights from today's reading, and then one day, after I finish the RBY challenge, I'll do a blog series on the Psalms, so I can cover them in more depth.
Okay. Let's begin.
Psalm 1:1-2 - How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.
God takes care of the righteous. Those who delight in the law of God keep it always.
Psalm 2:1-6 - Why are the nations in an uproar and the peoples devising a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the LORD and against His anointed, saying, "Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!" He who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord scoffs at them. Then He will speak to them in anger and terrify them in His fury, saying, "But as for Me, I have installed My King upon Zion, My holy mountain."
Psalm 2:10-11 - Now therefore, O kings, show discernment; take warning, O judges of the earth. Worship the Lord with reverence and rejoice with trembling.
Let's face it. All of our leaders need our prayer. Whether you like them or not. Whether you agree with them or not. We should always be praying for them to make wise decisions.
Psalm 3:3 - But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.
God shields us. He protects us. He lifts our heads, and catches us or picks us up when we fall.
Psalm 3:5 - I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustains me.
When David wrote this, he was pursued by Saul. He lay down and slept in the midst of his enemies. And the Lord sustained him. Just as God sustains us.
Psalm 4:3 - But know that the LORD has set apart the godly man for Himself; the LORD hears when I call to Him.
We are set apart to God, and He always hears when we call out to Him.
Now, I'm going to end by sharing all of Psalm 8.
Psalm 8:1-2 - O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth, who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens! From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established strength because of Your adversaries, to make the enemy and the revengeful cease.
Psalm 8:3-8 - When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained; what is man that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him? Yet You have made him a little lower than God, and You crown him with glory and majesty! You make him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beast of the field, the birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, whatever passes through the paths of the seas.
God loved us so much that He gave us dominion over all His creation. He expects us to be wise with it.
Psalm 8:9 - O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalm 9-16.
Today I read Psalms 1-8.
I love the Psalms! I really do. And there is so much I would like to share today. Well, I don't have too much to talk about, but I wish I could share every part of all the eight psalms I read today. But the post would be too long.
So, instead, I'm going to share some of the highlights from today's reading, and then one day, after I finish the RBY challenge, I'll do a blog series on the Psalms, so I can cover them in more depth.
Okay. Let's begin.
Psalm 1:1-2 - How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.
God takes care of the righteous. Those who delight in the law of God keep it always.
Psalm 2:1-6 - Why are the nations in an uproar and the peoples devising a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the LORD and against His anointed, saying, "Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!" He who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord scoffs at them. Then He will speak to them in anger and terrify them in His fury, saying, "But as for Me, I have installed My King upon Zion, My holy mountain."
Psalm 2:10-11 - Now therefore, O kings, show discernment; take warning, O judges of the earth. Worship the Lord with reverence and rejoice with trembling.
Let's face it. All of our leaders need our prayer. Whether you like them or not. Whether you agree with them or not. We should always be praying for them to make wise decisions.
Psalm 3:3 - But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.
God shields us. He protects us. He lifts our heads, and catches us or picks us up when we fall.
Psalm 3:5 - I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustains me.
When David wrote this, he was pursued by Saul. He lay down and slept in the midst of his enemies. And the Lord sustained him. Just as God sustains us.
Psalm 4:3 - But know that the LORD has set apart the godly man for Himself; the LORD hears when I call to Him.
We are set apart to God, and He always hears when we call out to Him.
Now, I'm going to end by sharing all of Psalm 8.
Psalm 8:1-2 - O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth, who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens! From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established strength because of Your adversaries, to make the enemy and the revengeful cease.
Psalm 8:3-8 - When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained; what is man that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him? Yet You have made him a little lower than God, and You crown him with glory and majesty! You make him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beast of the field, the birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, whatever passes through the paths of the seas.
God loved us so much that He gave us dominion over all His creation. He expects us to be wise with it.
Psalm 8:9 - O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalm 9-16.
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 163: Job's Reward
Good afternoon, everyone!
Today I read the final chapters of Job: Job 40-42.
Job 40:12 - Then the LORD said to Job, "Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who reproves God answer it.
This is a challenge. But, of course, God already knows how Job will respond. And Job does not disappoint.
Job 40:3-5 - Then Job answered the LORD and said, "Behold, I am insignificant; what can I reply to You? I lay my hand on my mouth. Once I have spoken, and I will not answer; Even twice, and I will add nothing more."
Job has already questioned why these things happened to him. Job has already spoken about his grievances. And yet, nothing he said was untrue of God.
God speaks to Job a while longer, reminding him of His power, and how little people understand in comparison to Him.
Job confesses God's power, and his knowledge.
Job 42:1-3 - Then Job answered the LORD and said, "I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. 'Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know."
All the while, the only untrue thing Job has said is to suggest that God was not paying attention to his troubles. Still, it wasn't a direct lie, intended to mislead. Rather, it was how Job felt at the time.
Now, when questioned by God, Job repents, admitting that he does not fully understand all that God does.
God forgives Job, and is pleased that he passed the test, not cursing God or failing in his righteousness.
After his trials, God blesses Job with double what he had before. Job really passed that test. And passed it well.
Job's friends, on the other hand, are in big trouble.
Job 42:7 - It came about after the LORD had spoken these words to Job, that the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, "My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends, because you have not spoken of Me what is right as My servant Job has."
He then commands them to make sacrifices and repent, and to do so in Job's presence so that Job can intercede for them, because he alone had spoken what was correct about God.
No matter how much Job cried out, or begged to understand why these disasters were befalling him, he never spoke something untrue about God. And God was pleased.
Meanwhile, Job's friends continually spoke incorrectly about God in an attempt to make Job repent of sins that he had not committed, all because they did not have a correct understanding of God. And God was very angry with them.
So, I learned three lessons from today's reading.
1. No matter how hard the storm is, there is always a blessing on the other side. So, don't give up.
2. God is always watching, even when it feels like He isn't, and He cares about us very much.
3. We must be careful what we say. Our words about God must be true, and inspired by His Word. Our words about ourselves, and others must be true, and inspired by God's Word.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 1-8.
Today I read the final chapters of Job: Job 40-42.
Job 40:12 - Then the LORD said to Job, "Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who reproves God answer it.
This is a challenge. But, of course, God already knows how Job will respond. And Job does not disappoint.
Job 40:3-5 - Then Job answered the LORD and said, "Behold, I am insignificant; what can I reply to You? I lay my hand on my mouth. Once I have spoken, and I will not answer; Even twice, and I will add nothing more."
Job has already questioned why these things happened to him. Job has already spoken about his grievances. And yet, nothing he said was untrue of God.
God speaks to Job a while longer, reminding him of His power, and how little people understand in comparison to Him.
Job confesses God's power, and his knowledge.
Job 42:1-3 - Then Job answered the LORD and said, "I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. 'Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know."
All the while, the only untrue thing Job has said is to suggest that God was not paying attention to his troubles. Still, it wasn't a direct lie, intended to mislead. Rather, it was how Job felt at the time.
Now, when questioned by God, Job repents, admitting that he does not fully understand all that God does.
God forgives Job, and is pleased that he passed the test, not cursing God or failing in his righteousness.
After his trials, God blesses Job with double what he had before. Job really passed that test. And passed it well.
Job's friends, on the other hand, are in big trouble.
Job 42:7 - It came about after the LORD had spoken these words to Job, that the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, "My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends, because you have not spoken of Me what is right as My servant Job has."
He then commands them to make sacrifices and repent, and to do so in Job's presence so that Job can intercede for them, because he alone had spoken what was correct about God.
No matter how much Job cried out, or begged to understand why these disasters were befalling him, he never spoke something untrue about God. And God was pleased.
Meanwhile, Job's friends continually spoke incorrectly about God in an attempt to make Job repent of sins that he had not committed, all because they did not have a correct understanding of God. And God was very angry with them.
So, I learned three lessons from today's reading.
1. No matter how hard the storm is, there is always a blessing on the other side. So, don't give up.
2. God is always watching, even when it feels like He isn't, and He cares about us very much.
3. We must be careful what we say. Our words about God must be true, and inspired by His Word. Our words about ourselves, and others must be true, and inspired by God's Word.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 1-8.
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 162: God Questions Job
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Job 38-39.
In today's reading, God speaks, and questions Job.
He basically says "Are you God, that you understand all My ways?"
One verse I really wanted to share was this one:
Job 38:4-5 - "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding, Who set is measurements? Since you now. Or who stretched the line on it?"
Who was there besides God when He formed the earth? Who created its measurements?
How powerful God is!
How can we possibly hope to understand Him? How can our understanding ever compare to His?
God then asks Job if it is by his own understanding that the animals find food, or that an eagle is able to fly.
The way I see this, is that God is testing Job one last time to see his reaction. How will he answer? Will he rail against God, now that he knows he has His ear? Will he demand answers? Or will he remain righteous and humble?
Join me tomorrow when I read Job 40-42 to find out!
Today I read Job 38-39.
In today's reading, God speaks, and questions Job.
He basically says "Are you God, that you understand all My ways?"
One verse I really wanted to share was this one:
Job 38:4-5 - "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding, Who set is measurements? Since you now. Or who stretched the line on it?"
Who was there besides God when He formed the earth? Who created its measurements?
How powerful God is!
How can we possibly hope to understand Him? How can our understanding ever compare to His?
God then asks Job if it is by his own understanding that the animals find food, or that an eagle is able to fly.
The way I see this, is that God is testing Job one last time to see his reaction. How will he answer? Will he rail against God, now that he knows he has His ear? Will he demand answers? Or will he remain righteous and humble?
Join me tomorrow when I read Job 40-42 to find out!
Monday, June 11, 2018
Media Monday: A Study of Job
Hello again, everyone! This extra post is just a recommendation for a study of the book of Job.
Trusting God in Times of Adversity by Kay Arthur is a wonderful study of the book of Job.
We read it in my Sunday school class a few years ago, and I learned so much! If you're reading Job again, or if you've never read it before, this is a great study.
It isn't a long book, as Job isn't terribly long in comparison to other books in the Bible, only taking about 13 weeks to do the study.
The author did a good job of breaking down what was happening in the book of Job, which is especially helpful when Job and his friends have such long soliloquies.
Anyway, this is my recommendation today. I hope you find it as interesting and helpful as I did!
Trusting God in Times of Adversity by Kay Arthur is a wonderful study of the book of Job.
We read it in my Sunday school class a few years ago, and I learned so much! If you're reading Job again, or if you've never read it before, this is a great study.
It isn't a long book, as Job isn't terribly long in comparison to other books in the Bible, only taking about 13 weeks to do the study.
The author did a good job of breaking down what was happening in the book of Job, which is especially helpful when Job and his friends have such long soliloquies.
Anyway, this is my recommendation today. I hope you find it as interesting and helpful as I did!
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 161: Elihu's Presumption
Good afternoon, everyone!
Today I read Job 35-37.
In today's reading, Elihu takes it upon himself to reproach Job, and to presumptuously speak for God.
He begins:
Job 35:2 - "Do you think this is according to justice? Do you say, My righteousness is more than God's?"
Job 35:13 - "Surely God will not listen to an empty cry, nor will the Almighty regard it."
Job never said that he was more righteous than God. He merely protested his innocence, and wished to understand why God allowed these things to happen to him.
Elihu continues:
Job 36:2 - "Wait for me a little, and I will show you that there is yet more to be said on God's behalf."
Uh oh. Elihu is presuming to speak for God. To reproach Job in His name. He is presuming Job's guilt, because he cannot, in his limited understanding, believe that Job has done nothing wrong.
But he is passing his own judgment on Job, without truly knowing anything of God's character.
First and foremost: God's mercy.
Secondly: God doesn't need any help from us.
Job's friends would have done much better to keep their mouths shut.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Job 38-39. In tomorrow's reading, God will speak to Job. And that will be interesting.
By the way, I'll also be posting a book recommendation of a study of the book of Job. I hope you find it as interesting as I did.
Today I read Job 35-37.
In today's reading, Elihu takes it upon himself to reproach Job, and to presumptuously speak for God.
He begins:
Job 35:2 - "Do you think this is according to justice? Do you say, My righteousness is more than God's?"
Job 35:13 - "Surely God will not listen to an empty cry, nor will the Almighty regard it."
Job never said that he was more righteous than God. He merely protested his innocence, and wished to understand why God allowed these things to happen to him.
Elihu continues:
Job 36:2 - "Wait for me a little, and I will show you that there is yet more to be said on God's behalf."
Uh oh. Elihu is presuming to speak for God. To reproach Job in His name. He is presuming Job's guilt, because he cannot, in his limited understanding, believe that Job has done nothing wrong.
But he is passing his own judgment on Job, without truly knowing anything of God's character.
First and foremost: God's mercy.
Secondly: God doesn't need any help from us.
Job's friends would have done much better to keep their mouths shut.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Job 38-39. In tomorrow's reading, God will speak to Job. And that will be interesting.
By the way, I'll also be posting a book recommendation of a study of the book of Job. I hope you find it as interesting as I did.
Sunday, June 10, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 160: Job's Friend's Anger
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Job 32-34.
In today's reading, Job's youngest friend, Elihu, rebukes him in anger.
He states many of the things Job's other friends have said, because he is angry that Job does not heed them and repent. He is angry because Job maintains his righteousness and innocence.
All Job's friends were angry, and upset because of these things. But Elihu takes it a step further. He claims to speak for God. He demands to know who Job is to require an explanation of God. He speaks as though he knows what God is thinking.
He's going to get in trouble for that. But not yet.
For today, I want to talk about what he said. Because part of what he said is right...he just didn't say it in the right context.
God doesn't owe us an explanation for anything He does. However, because He loves us, He will make all things clear in His timing. Not ours. He encourages us to talk with Him and lay our burdens at His feet. And sometimes when we approach Him, it's in distress, almost demanding an explanation. But He may not always give us an answer right away. He might have us wait a while for a good reason, even if He never tells us what that reason is.
We just have to trust that He knows what He is doing. Because He does. He's been doing this a long time, far longer than we could even imagine. And He only wants good for us. After our storm is over, He brings better than we could imagine.
Now, a quick word of warning for all of us: we have to remember not to claim to speak for God unless we are sure about it. 10,000% sure. Otherwise, that can get us into trouble.
So, I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Job 35-37 when Elihu continues his tirade.
Today I read Job 32-34.
In today's reading, Job's youngest friend, Elihu, rebukes him in anger.
He states many of the things Job's other friends have said, because he is angry that Job does not heed them and repent. He is angry because Job maintains his righteousness and innocence.
All Job's friends were angry, and upset because of these things. But Elihu takes it a step further. He claims to speak for God. He demands to know who Job is to require an explanation of God. He speaks as though he knows what God is thinking.
He's going to get in trouble for that. But not yet.
For today, I want to talk about what he said. Because part of what he said is right...he just didn't say it in the right context.
God doesn't owe us an explanation for anything He does. However, because He loves us, He will make all things clear in His timing. Not ours. He encourages us to talk with Him and lay our burdens at His feet. And sometimes when we approach Him, it's in distress, almost demanding an explanation. But He may not always give us an answer right away. He might have us wait a while for a good reason, even if He never tells us what that reason is.
We just have to trust that He knows what He is doing. Because He does. He's been doing this a long time, far longer than we could even imagine. And He only wants good for us. After our storm is over, He brings better than we could imagine.
Now, a quick word of warning for all of us: we have to remember not to claim to speak for God unless we are sure about it. 10,000% sure. Otherwise, that can get us into trouble.
So, I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Job 35-37 when Elihu continues his tirade.
Saturday, June 9, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 159: Job's Past
Good afternoon, everyone!
Today I read Job 29-31.
In today's reading, Job talks about how wonderful his past was: how prosperous he was, how God watched over him, how people respected him, how he was able to help people.
It doesn't sound like bragging, rather Job is mourning what he lost.
And today's reading reminded me how dangerous that can be.
We can get so caught up in how "good" the past was, especially while we're going through a storm, that we can distort our views or even mourn something that wasn't really good for us.
In addition, when we lose something, it seems like the worst thing in the world (and in Job's case, it was really bad), but it's not the worst thing.
The storm is not the worst thing. Even when it's horrible. Even when what we had before looks better, we have to remember that waiting times and storms are God's way of preparing us for something.
Always something better.
Job's life is awful right now. He can't even see the point in living, and prays for death. But it will get better. Keep reading with me to see what God does when Job's storm is over.
And please, please remember. Just because it's bad now doesn't mean the past was better. Just because it's bad now doesn't mean it will be bad forever.
God has better in store for all of us. Sometimes that requires a period of waiting, or a storm so that we can grow into who we need to be to receive the better.
For example: I moved to Arizona in 2013. I could not find a job. I tried and tried, and nothing worked. I was lonely. I was depressed. And finally I went to church. I began seeking God again.
And I got a job. Not right away. I had a little more waiting to do. But if I had gotten a job right away, I never would have sought God. I wouldn't have realized how much I needed Him.
And now, I even have my dream job. It's so much fun. It's rewarding. And I have the best coworkers.
And I'm so glad He made me wait and experience the trials that came with being unemployed. I've grown as a person. I've learned things I wouldn't have otherwise.
And what's more, I know who God is now, and I have a relationship with Him that astounds me every day.
I can't believe how much I've grown. I wouldn't even recognize who I was before.
It does get better. It does.
God does not leave us alone during the storms. He is always there with us, waiting for us to turn to Him.
Don't glorify the past, when God has so much better in store for your future. And don't magnify the storms, when God is so much bigger.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Job 32-34.
Today I read Job 29-31.
In today's reading, Job talks about how wonderful his past was: how prosperous he was, how God watched over him, how people respected him, how he was able to help people.
It doesn't sound like bragging, rather Job is mourning what he lost.
And today's reading reminded me how dangerous that can be.
We can get so caught up in how "good" the past was, especially while we're going through a storm, that we can distort our views or even mourn something that wasn't really good for us.
In addition, when we lose something, it seems like the worst thing in the world (and in Job's case, it was really bad), but it's not the worst thing.
The storm is not the worst thing. Even when it's horrible. Even when what we had before looks better, we have to remember that waiting times and storms are God's way of preparing us for something.
Always something better.
Job's life is awful right now. He can't even see the point in living, and prays for death. But it will get better. Keep reading with me to see what God does when Job's storm is over.
And please, please remember. Just because it's bad now doesn't mean the past was better. Just because it's bad now doesn't mean it will be bad forever.
God has better in store for all of us. Sometimes that requires a period of waiting, or a storm so that we can grow into who we need to be to receive the better.
For example: I moved to Arizona in 2013. I could not find a job. I tried and tried, and nothing worked. I was lonely. I was depressed. And finally I went to church. I began seeking God again.
And I got a job. Not right away. I had a little more waiting to do. But if I had gotten a job right away, I never would have sought God. I wouldn't have realized how much I needed Him.
And now, I even have my dream job. It's so much fun. It's rewarding. And I have the best coworkers.
And I'm so glad He made me wait and experience the trials that came with being unemployed. I've grown as a person. I've learned things I wouldn't have otherwise.
And what's more, I know who God is now, and I have a relationship with Him that astounds me every day.
I can't believe how much I've grown. I wouldn't even recognize who I was before.
It does get better. It does.
God does not leave us alone during the storms. He is always there with us, waiting for us to turn to Him.
Don't glorify the past, when God has so much better in store for your future. And don't magnify the storms, when God is so much bigger.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Job 32-34.
Friday, June 8, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 158: Job's Wisdom
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Job 24-28.
A lot happened in today's reading, but I'm going to focus mostly in chapter 28 today.
Quick recap: Job speaks, one of his friends rebukes him, Job gives a rebuttal and maintains his innocence and righteousness.
In chapter 28, Job speaks of wisdom. He speaks of the earth's wealth and how men seek it. From gold and silver to sapphires and iron, men seek wealth.
Job 28:12-18 - "But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man does not know its value. Nor is it found in the land of the living. The deep says 'It is not in me'; and the sea says 'It is not with me.' Pure gold cannot be given in exchange for it, nor can silver be weighed at its price. It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx, or sapphire. Gold or glass cannot equal it, nor can it be exchanged for articles of fine gold. Coral and crystal are not to be mentioned, and the acquisition of wisdom is above that of pearls."
Job 28:23-24 & 28 - "God understands its way, and He knows its place. For He looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens...And to man H said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding."
Through these words, Job proves himself more wise than his friends, even though they declare him wicked and unrepentant. Job proves that he understands the nature of God, and what is truly valuable.
Wisdom is to be valued far above worldly riches. And true wisdom is to fear and respect God.
I hope you learned today, and that you'll join me tomorrow when I read Job 29-31.
Today I read Job 24-28.
A lot happened in today's reading, but I'm going to focus mostly in chapter 28 today.
Quick recap: Job speaks, one of his friends rebukes him, Job gives a rebuttal and maintains his innocence and righteousness.
In chapter 28, Job speaks of wisdom. He speaks of the earth's wealth and how men seek it. From gold and silver to sapphires and iron, men seek wealth.
Job 28:12-18 - "But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man does not know its value. Nor is it found in the land of the living. The deep says 'It is not in me'; and the sea says 'It is not with me.' Pure gold cannot be given in exchange for it, nor can silver be weighed at its price. It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx, or sapphire. Gold or glass cannot equal it, nor can it be exchanged for articles of fine gold. Coral and crystal are not to be mentioned, and the acquisition of wisdom is above that of pearls."
Job 28:23-24 & 28 - "God understands its way, and He knows its place. For He looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens...And to man H said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding."
Through these words, Job proves himself more wise than his friends, even though they declare him wicked and unrepentant. Job proves that he understands the nature of God, and what is truly valuable.
Wisdom is to be valued far above worldly riches. And true wisdom is to fear and respect God.
I hope you learned today, and that you'll join me tomorrow when I read Job 29-31.
Thursday, June 7, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 157: Job's Case
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Job 21-23.
First, Job reminds his friends that it is God's place to judge, not theirs.
Yet they still respond to him and rebuke him for perceived wickedness.
Job asks "Can anyone teach God knowledge, in that He judges those on high?" (Job 21:22)
Eliphaz responds with a lot of words, but this one stood out: Job 22:5 - "Is not your wickedness great, and your iniquities without end?"
He then goes on to detail things that he has "seen" Job do wrong, things for which Job needs to repent.
Now, don't get me wrong. No one is perfect. Job probably had messed up sometimes. But God Himself said that Job was righteous and faithful. Job's sins had been forgiven. He had not done anything to bring this affliction upon himself. But none of his "friends" will believe him.
They even rebuke him for crying out to God and asking why this is happening to him.
Job's response is, naturally, eloquent, and I want to share this part with you today.
Job 23:3-5 - "Oh that I knew where I might find Him, that I might come to His seat! I would present my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments. I would learn the words which He would answer, and perceive what He would say to me."
How often do we feel like that? When something is going wrong in our lives, we wonder "If I could just find the right words, God would hear me. If I could just go before Him, He would listen."
Even Job felt that way. Even Job felt like God wasn't listening. It feels that way sometimes, but God is always listening. He always hears us. Sometimes we have to wait for His answer because He is preparing us for it. It's okay to cry out to God. It's okay to ask "why?" sometimes. But we still have to remember to ask the way Job did. He questioned God, but he also remembered God's sovereignty. He asked with humility, not pride. He entreated, never cursed. Despite his friends' "help."
I hope you're learning, just as I am. I also hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Job 24-28.
Today I read Job 21-23.
First, Job reminds his friends that it is God's place to judge, not theirs.
Yet they still respond to him and rebuke him for perceived wickedness.
Job asks "Can anyone teach God knowledge, in that He judges those on high?" (Job 21:22)
Eliphaz responds with a lot of words, but this one stood out: Job 22:5 - "Is not your wickedness great, and your iniquities without end?"
He then goes on to detail things that he has "seen" Job do wrong, things for which Job needs to repent.
Now, don't get me wrong. No one is perfect. Job probably had messed up sometimes. But God Himself said that Job was righteous and faithful. Job's sins had been forgiven. He had not done anything to bring this affliction upon himself. But none of his "friends" will believe him.
They even rebuke him for crying out to God and asking why this is happening to him.
Job's response is, naturally, eloquent, and I want to share this part with you today.
Job 23:3-5 - "Oh that I knew where I might find Him, that I might come to His seat! I would present my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments. I would learn the words which He would answer, and perceive what He would say to me."
How often do we feel like that? When something is going wrong in our lives, we wonder "If I could just find the right words, God would hear me. If I could just go before Him, He would listen."
Even Job felt that way. Even Job felt like God wasn't listening. It feels that way sometimes, but God is always listening. He always hears us. Sometimes we have to wait for His answer because He is preparing us for it. It's okay to cry out to God. It's okay to ask "why?" sometimes. But we still have to remember to ask the way Job did. He questioned God, but he also remembered God's sovereignty. He asked with humility, not pride. He entreated, never cursed. Despite his friends' "help."
I hope you're learning, just as I am. I also hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Job 24-28.
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 156: Job's Redeemer
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Job 17-20.
And I won't get into too much detail today. Job is a really good book to read, but it does repeat during this part.
Job proclaims his innocence and cries out to God, and his friends rebuke him. Over and over. His friends don't believe him at all.
I do want to share a few verses with you today, though.
Bildad, Job's friend, is rebuking him again. What he says is true, so I want to share it. It just isn't true of Job.
Job 18:5-8 - "Indeed, the light of the wicked goes out, and the flame of his fire gives no light. The light in his tent is darkened, and his lamp goes out above him. His vigorous stride is shortened, and his own scheme brings him down. For he is thrown into the net by his own feet, and he steps on the webbing."
The wicked are ensnared by their own evil plans. Even when we can't see this happening, it is always true. Even when they seem to prosper in man's eyes, they will always fall if they do not repent.
Later, Job cries out to God again, and says something I found very interesting.
Job 19:25 - "As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth. Even after my skin is destroyed, yet from my flesh I shall see God; whom I myself shall behold, and whom my eyes will see and not another. My heart faints within me!"
Job knows that he is innocent, and that he will indeed see God when the time comes. Job knows that he has a Redeemer in Heaven who will at the last, make everything right.
Jesus is our Redeemer. In the Old Testament, even, we find writings about Him.
I'm so glad that my Redeemer lives, and that He intercedes for us in Heaven.
Job's faith inspires me. Even though he has it rougher than I do, he never loses faith. Even when he questions God, he still knows that God is in charge, and that He knows what He is doing.
It's amazing.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Job 21-23.
Today I read Job 17-20.
And I won't get into too much detail today. Job is a really good book to read, but it does repeat during this part.
Job proclaims his innocence and cries out to God, and his friends rebuke him. Over and over. His friends don't believe him at all.
I do want to share a few verses with you today, though.
Bildad, Job's friend, is rebuking him again. What he says is true, so I want to share it. It just isn't true of Job.
Job 18:5-8 - "Indeed, the light of the wicked goes out, and the flame of his fire gives no light. The light in his tent is darkened, and his lamp goes out above him. His vigorous stride is shortened, and his own scheme brings him down. For he is thrown into the net by his own feet, and he steps on the webbing."
The wicked are ensnared by their own evil plans. Even when we can't see this happening, it is always true. Even when they seem to prosper in man's eyes, they will always fall if they do not repent.
Later, Job cries out to God again, and says something I found very interesting.
Job 19:25 - "As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth. Even after my skin is destroyed, yet from my flesh I shall see God; whom I myself shall behold, and whom my eyes will see and not another. My heart faints within me!"
Job knows that he is innocent, and that he will indeed see God when the time comes. Job knows that he has a Redeemer in Heaven who will at the last, make everything right.
Jesus is our Redeemer. In the Old Testament, even, we find writings about Him.
I'm so glad that my Redeemer lives, and that He intercedes for us in Heaven.
Job's faith inspires me. Even though he has it rougher than I do, he never loses faith. Even when he questions God, he still knows that God is in charge, and that He knows what He is doing.
It's amazing.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Job 21-23.
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 155: Job's Sorry Comforters
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Job 14-16.
In today's reading, Job speaks of how man dies and how final that death is.
Job's words are good, but his friends continue to rebuke him.
Job 15:1-6 - Then Eliphaz the Temanite responded, "Should a wise man answer with windy knowledge and fill himself with the east wind? Should he argue with useless talk, or with words which are not profitable? Indeed, you do away with reverence and hinder meditation before God. For your guilt teaches your mouth, and you choose the language of the crafty. Your own mouth condemns you, and not I; and your own lips testify against you."
He then accuses Job of elevating himself, as though he is the only one who hears the counsel of God.
He continues by saying what he has seen of life and what the elders have taught him: that only the wicked are afflicted as Job, and they wander around unrepentant.
Job 16:1-5 - Then Job answered, "I have heard many such things; sorry comforters are you all. Is there no limit to windy words? Or what plagues you that you answer? I too could speak like you, if I were in your place. I could compose words against you and shake my head at you. I could strengthen my mouth, and the solace of my lips could lessen your pain."
Job then goes on to say how he cannot lessen his own pain, and that God has exhausted, and shattered him. Job continues to lament, but he does not curse God or forget that He is the Almighty. He continues to cry out to God.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Job 17-20.
Today I read Job 14-16.
In today's reading, Job speaks of how man dies and how final that death is.
Job's words are good, but his friends continue to rebuke him.
Job 15:1-6 - Then Eliphaz the Temanite responded, "Should a wise man answer with windy knowledge and fill himself with the east wind? Should he argue with useless talk, or with words which are not profitable? Indeed, you do away with reverence and hinder meditation before God. For your guilt teaches your mouth, and you choose the language of the crafty. Your own mouth condemns you, and not I; and your own lips testify against you."
He then accuses Job of elevating himself, as though he is the only one who hears the counsel of God.
He continues by saying what he has seen of life and what the elders have taught him: that only the wicked are afflicted as Job, and they wander around unrepentant.
Job 16:1-5 - Then Job answered, "I have heard many such things; sorry comforters are you all. Is there no limit to windy words? Or what plagues you that you answer? I too could speak like you, if I were in your place. I could compose words against you and shake my head at you. I could strengthen my mouth, and the solace of my lips could lessen your pain."
Job then goes on to say how he cannot lessen his own pain, and that God has exhausted, and shattered him. Job continues to lament, but he does not curse God or forget that He is the Almighty. He continues to cry out to God.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Job 17-20.
Monday, June 4, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 154: Job's Rebuke
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Job 11-13.
Today, Job's friend Zephar, the Namathite, speaks up.
Job 11:2-3 - "Shall a multitude of words go unanswered, and a talkative man be acquitted? Shall your boasts silence men? And shall you scoff and none rebuke?"
He doesn't believe Job is innocent either. Rather, he believes Job's declarations of his innocence is boasting, and that it is provoking God.
Job 11:5-6 - "But would that God might speak, and open His lips against you, and show you the secrets of wisdom! For sound wisdom has two sides. Know then that God forgets a part of your iniquity."
Job's friends are idiots. Not one of them understands the nature of God. And this one, Zephar, is trying to curse Job with his words, whether he knows it or not. "Would that God might speak, and open His lips against you..."
Don't ever say something like that to your friends. Entreat God for them if you believe they are wrong. Speak to them if you feel you need to, but don't call them on a lie without proof. And never pray that God would speak against them.
Remember, Job's friends have no proof of his guilt, because he isn't guilty!
Job 12:1-4 - Then Job responded, "Truly then you are the people, and with you wisdom will die! But I have intelligence as well as you; I am not inferior to you, and who does not know such things as these? I am a joke to my friends, the one who called on God and He answered him; the just and blameless man is a joke."
Job goes on to say that even the animals understand the things his friends have been telling him about God. And then he declares God's power, and the many things that He can do.
Job 13:1-11 "Behold, my eye has seen all this, my ear has heard and understood it. What you know I also know; I am not inferior to you. But I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue with God. But you smear with lies; you are all worthless physicians. O that you would be completely silent, and that it would become your wisdom! Please hear my argument and listen to the contentions of my lips. Will you speak what is unjust for God, and speak what is deceitful for Him? Will you show partiality for Him? Will you contend for God? Will it be well when He examines you? Or will you deceive Him as one deceives a man? He will surely reprove you if you secretly show partiality. Will not His majesty terrify you, and the dread of Him fall on you?"
Job rebukes his friends. He tells them that they would be wiser to keep silent, that it is foolish for them to contend for God, to pass judgement in His stead.
Job tells his friends to be silent and let him speak, and that he will take whatever consequences of his inquiries of God.
Job 13:18 - "Behold now, I have prepared my case; I know that I will be vindicated."
Job knows he is innocent and that he will be saved.
Job's words are so powerful. His faith is unshakable, even though he doesn't understand why these things are happening to him. It's amazing!
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Job 14-16.
Today I read Job 11-13.
Today, Job's friend Zephar, the Namathite, speaks up.
Job 11:2-3 - "Shall a multitude of words go unanswered, and a talkative man be acquitted? Shall your boasts silence men? And shall you scoff and none rebuke?"
He doesn't believe Job is innocent either. Rather, he believes Job's declarations of his innocence is boasting, and that it is provoking God.
Job 11:5-6 - "But would that God might speak, and open His lips against you, and show you the secrets of wisdom! For sound wisdom has two sides. Know then that God forgets a part of your iniquity."
Job's friends are idiots. Not one of them understands the nature of God. And this one, Zephar, is trying to curse Job with his words, whether he knows it or not. "Would that God might speak, and open His lips against you..."
Don't ever say something like that to your friends. Entreat God for them if you believe they are wrong. Speak to them if you feel you need to, but don't call them on a lie without proof. And never pray that God would speak against them.
Remember, Job's friends have no proof of his guilt, because he isn't guilty!
Job 12:1-4 - Then Job responded, "Truly then you are the people, and with you wisdom will die! But I have intelligence as well as you; I am not inferior to you, and who does not know such things as these? I am a joke to my friends, the one who called on God and He answered him; the just and blameless man is a joke."
Job goes on to say that even the animals understand the things his friends have been telling him about God. And then he declares God's power, and the many things that He can do.
Job 13:1-11 "Behold, my eye has seen all this, my ear has heard and understood it. What you know I also know; I am not inferior to you. But I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue with God. But you smear with lies; you are all worthless physicians. O that you would be completely silent, and that it would become your wisdom! Please hear my argument and listen to the contentions of my lips. Will you speak what is unjust for God, and speak what is deceitful for Him? Will you show partiality for Him? Will you contend for God? Will it be well when He examines you? Or will you deceive Him as one deceives a man? He will surely reprove you if you secretly show partiality. Will not His majesty terrify you, and the dread of Him fall on you?"
Job rebukes his friends. He tells them that they would be wiser to keep silent, that it is foolish for them to contend for God, to pass judgement in His stead.
Job tells his friends to be silent and let him speak, and that he will take whatever consequences of his inquiries of God.
Job 13:18 - "Behold now, I have prepared my case; I know that I will be vindicated."
Job knows he is innocent and that he will be saved.
Job's words are so powerful. His faith is unshakable, even though he doesn't understand why these things are happening to him. It's amazing!
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Job 14-16.
Sunday, June 3, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 153: Job's Friends
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Job 8-10.
In today's reading, Job's friends continue to censure him, and Job continues to answer them and cry out to God, maintaining his innocence.
Bildad now tells Job that God does not censure the innocent, and that if Job would only repent, God would relent.
Job 8:1-2 - Then Bildad the Shuhite answered, "How long will you say these things, and the words of your mouth be a mighty wind? Does God pervert justice? Or does the Almighty pervert what is right?
So, Bildad is calling Job a liar, declaring that he must have sinned otherwise God would not have allowed this to happen.
As I said in an earlier post, with friends like this, Job does not need enemies.
Job's reply to his friends, as he cries out to God, is once again eloquent as he maintains his innocence, and begs God to turn His attention from him or to tell Job what he has done to deserve such suffering.
He wonders who can contend with God, how can he argue with the One who made all things. Though he does not understand, and he asks God to deliver him, he does not curse God, or stop believing.
Job 9:32-33 - "For He is not a man as I am that I may answer Him, that we may go to court together. There is no umpire between us, who may lay his hand upon us both."
Job recognizes that God is above men, and that none can contend with Him, that there is no judge between them for God is the Highest Judge.
Job maintains his innocence, his righteousness, and his faith, even though his friends' words might have caused him to doubt.
How many of us can honestly say that we could behave as Job did?
I can't. When things go wrong, sometimes I doubt myself. I doubt God. And that's what Satan wants.
This is one of the most important lessons to be taken from the book of Job.
There are so many lessons to be learned from the book of Job, and when we finish the book, I'll share some that I learned the first time I read Job.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Job 11-13.
Today I read Job 8-10.
In today's reading, Job's friends continue to censure him, and Job continues to answer them and cry out to God, maintaining his innocence.
Bildad now tells Job that God does not censure the innocent, and that if Job would only repent, God would relent.
Job 8:1-2 - Then Bildad the Shuhite answered, "How long will you say these things, and the words of your mouth be a mighty wind? Does God pervert justice? Or does the Almighty pervert what is right?
So, Bildad is calling Job a liar, declaring that he must have sinned otherwise God would not have allowed this to happen.
As I said in an earlier post, with friends like this, Job does not need enemies.
Job's reply to his friends, as he cries out to God, is once again eloquent as he maintains his innocence, and begs God to turn His attention from him or to tell Job what he has done to deserve such suffering.
He wonders who can contend with God, how can he argue with the One who made all things. Though he does not understand, and he asks God to deliver him, he does not curse God, or stop believing.
Job 9:32-33 - "For He is not a man as I am that I may answer Him, that we may go to court together. There is no umpire between us, who may lay his hand upon us both."
Job recognizes that God is above men, and that none can contend with Him, that there is no judge between them for God is the Highest Judge.
Job maintains his innocence, his righteousness, and his faith, even though his friends' words might have caused him to doubt.
How many of us can honestly say that we could behave as Job did?
I can't. When things go wrong, sometimes I doubt myself. I doubt God. And that's what Satan wants.
This is one of the most important lessons to be taken from the book of Job.
There are so many lessons to be learned from the book of Job, and when we finish the book, I'll share some that I learned the first time I read Job.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Job 11-13.
Saturday, June 2, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 152: Job's Lament
Good afternoon, everyone!
Today I read Job 5-7.
In today's reading, Job's friends are reproaching him for whatever sin he must have committed in order for God to turn from him in such a way.
Job's friends are wrong, of course. And Job corrects them. Quite eloquently.
Job 6:9-13 - "Would that God were willing to crush me, that He would loos His hand and cut me off! But it is still my consolation, and I rejoice in unsparing pain, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One. What is my strength that I should wait? And what is my end, that I should endure? Is my strength the strength of stones, or is my flesh bronze? Is it that my help is not within me, and that deliverance is driven from me?"
Job 6:14-16 - "For the despairing man there should be kindness from his friend; so that he does not forsake the fear of the Almighty. My brothers have acted deceitfully like a wadi, Like the torrents of wadis which vanish, which are turbid because of ice and into which the snow melts."
Job calls his friends on their behavior. Instead of praying with him and trying to lift him up, they have reproached him. They do not believe that he has not done anything to deserve this.
Then, Job cries out to God. Fervently.
Job 7:17-21 - "What is man that You magnify him, and that you are concerned about him, that you examine him every morning and try him every moment? Will You never turn Your gaze away from me, nor let me alone until I swallow my spittle? Have I sinned? What have I done to You, O watcher of men? Why have You set me as Your target, so that I am a burden to myself? Why then do You not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity? For now I will lie down in the dust; and You will seek me, but I will not be."
How powerful. Job's lament. Job's prayer. How powerful.
When we are troubled we cry out to God as Job did.
"I don't understand." "What have I done to deserve this?" "I can't bear this any longer."
And even when we don't understand, God has a plan, and it is always for our good. When we cry out to Him, He always listens. And He always answers.
Wait to see how God answers Job.
But first, tomorrow we'll get to see his friends' answers. I hope you'll join me as I read Job 8-10.
Today I read Job 5-7.
In today's reading, Job's friends are reproaching him for whatever sin he must have committed in order for God to turn from him in such a way.
Job's friends are wrong, of course. And Job corrects them. Quite eloquently.
Job 6:9-13 - "Would that God were willing to crush me, that He would loos His hand and cut me off! But it is still my consolation, and I rejoice in unsparing pain, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One. What is my strength that I should wait? And what is my end, that I should endure? Is my strength the strength of stones, or is my flesh bronze? Is it that my help is not within me, and that deliverance is driven from me?"
Job 6:14-16 - "For the despairing man there should be kindness from his friend; so that he does not forsake the fear of the Almighty. My brothers have acted deceitfully like a wadi, Like the torrents of wadis which vanish, which are turbid because of ice and into which the snow melts."
Job calls his friends on their behavior. Instead of praying with him and trying to lift him up, they have reproached him. They do not believe that he has not done anything to deserve this.
Then, Job cries out to God. Fervently.
Job 7:17-21 - "What is man that You magnify him, and that you are concerned about him, that you examine him every morning and try him every moment? Will You never turn Your gaze away from me, nor let me alone until I swallow my spittle? Have I sinned? What have I done to You, O watcher of men? Why have You set me as Your target, so that I am a burden to myself? Why then do You not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity? For now I will lie down in the dust; and You will seek me, but I will not be."
How powerful. Job's lament. Job's prayer. How powerful.
When we are troubled we cry out to God as Job did.
"I don't understand." "What have I done to deserve this?" "I can't bear this any longer."
And even when we don't understand, God has a plan, and it is always for our good. When we cry out to Him, He always listens. And He always answers.
Wait to see how God answers Job.
But first, tomorrow we'll get to see his friends' answers. I hope you'll join me as I read Job 8-10.
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