Job 19:25, NIV - I know that my redeemer lives,
and that in the end he will stand on the earth.
The quote above is from Job. Job has lost everything and the really disturbing
thing is that it is clear from the story that Job’s suffering was allowed by
God. This has proven to be an ultimate
challenge to Job’s faith, and at times, Job has very strong words for God. He cannot reconcile the suffering he has
experienced with the God he thought he understood. Job is at odds with God.
It is possible for us to find
ourselves in the same boat from time to time.
Things happen that cause us to question and even be angry with God. Many of the central characters of scripture
have found themselves in this position as well (Moses, Joshua, Jeremiah and others). The first 50 Psalms express this disoriented,
disillusioned, and even sometimes angry faith of the authors. Jesus himself quotes a Psalm when He cries
out from the cross, “my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” To the extent
that we have ever felt that we needed to “forgive” God, we are not alone.
Here is
some guidance gained from the book of Job that helps us work out our difficult issues
with God. First, be real. God is able to hear you unedited feelings and
comments. God is able to handle us being
angry and not return our anger and pain with retribution or punishment. God’s love for us endures even the worst we
can throw at it. Along these same lines,
honestly address our issues with God trusting that God can take them and help
us move through them to a better relationship with God. We trust God to get us to a better place.
Be patient. Wait for God to respond with faith that the
response will indeed come. God has
proven faithful in the past and there is no reason to expect anything different
now. Often, what we will find is that
God was not we thought He was. Job,
after encountering God says, “I had only heard about you before, but now I have
seen you with my own eyes.” As Job’s story
concludes, he finds that he has discovered an even deeper faith and trust in
God. The same should be the vision for
us as we move through difficult periods in our relationship with God.
God
loves you with an everlasting and unshakable love. To the extent that you feel lost from God,
know that God is searching/reaching out for you. God is not your enemy or foe; God is your
Ally and Friend. God is your Helper, not
you punisher or destroyer. God’s plans
for you are good. Whatever the problem
is you have with God, God can help you overcome it. Trust that.
Expect that. Move forward knowing
the way will be cleared for you.
Question: Do you have
any uncomfortable feelings for God that you need to work through with God?
Prayer: God, I cannot
hide the difficult issues I have in my heart with respect to You. Help me feel the safety to be able to open up
completely to You and trust you to respond compassionately. Remove the clouds of doubt, confusion, and
anger. Heal my heart and our relationship.
Amen.
Prayer Focus: Pray for
people you know who don’t have any kind of relationship with God.
Song: Praise the Lord
– Crowder
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