Passage of the Day:
“Yet if you devote your heart to him and stretch out your hands to him, 14 if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent,15 then, free of fault, you will lift up your face; you will stand firm and without fear.16 You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by.17 Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning.18 You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.19 You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor. 20 But the eyes of the wicked will fail, and escape will elude them; their hope will become a dying gasp,” Job 11:13-20.
Reflection:
Job grew up in a time where people attributed unfortunate events that happened to you as some form of punishment from God. When a series of trials stuck Job’s family, property and his own health, 3 friends came to speak with him. Each believed that Job and or one of his parents had sinned bringing the wrath of God upon him. Zophar came to Job, wanting him to confess his sins so that these curse-like events would cease. Yet, Job did nothing wrong so all he could do was to rest his hope in God.
Prayerful Action:
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. 8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil, Psalm 37:7-8.
Clinging to a Glimmer of Hope this Fall:
If you live in western North Carolina, perhaps you feel like Job, unsure why disaster has devastated this region. While some towns will try to rebuild, other towns have completely been wiped off the map via floods and landslides. When there is no one left to help, or no one can hear your cries, rest your hope in God. However, don’t be like the parable of a man who was sent a boat and helicopter, but refused as he was waiting for God Himself to arrive. Rest your hope in the Living God.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
As you wait for the whys to gain understanding for your current dilemma, listen for God’s still voice. May the Holy Spirit speak to your heart as you rest in the hope of God.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 