Focus

Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.

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Read

Job 11:1-20 (NRSV)

Then Zophar the Naamathite answered:

“Should a multitude of words go unanswered,
and should one full of talk be vindicated?
Should your babble put others to silence,
and when you mock, shall no one shame you?
For you say, ‘My conduct is pure,
and I am clean in God’s sight.’
But O that God would speak,
and open his lips to you,
and that he would tell you the secrets of wisdom!
For wisdom is many-sided.
Know then that God exacts of you less than your guilt deserves.

“Can you find out the deep things of God?
Can you find out the limit of the Almighty?
It is higher than heaven—what can you do?
Deeper than Sheol—what can you know?
Its measure is longer than the earth,
and broader than the sea.
If he passes through, and imprisons,
and assembles for judgment, who can hinder him?
For he knows those who are worthless;
when he sees iniquity, will he not consider it?
But a stupid person will get understanding,
when a wild ass is born human.

“If you direct your heart rightly,
you will stretch out your hands toward him.
If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away,
and do not let wickedness reside in your tents.
Surely then you will lift up your face without blemish;
you will be secure, and will not fear.
You will forget your misery;
you will remember it as waters that have passed away.
And your life will be brighter than the noonday;
its darkness will be like the morning.
And you will have confidence, because there is hope;
you will be protected and take your rest in safety.
You will lie down, and no one will make you afraid;
many will entreat your favor.
But the eyes of the wicked will fail;
all way of escape will be lost to them,
and their hope is to breathe their last.”

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Reflect

As with most people, problems sometimes arise in my life. However, I stress over the problems to the point that I am unable to sleep. Why is it so hard to get past the problems in our life? We are stubborn and want to solve our problems ourselves, which only makes them worse.

Many times people have tried to help me by saying, “I know how you feel.” Although well meaning, these people don’t know how I feel. Job’s friends tried to give him advice and help him in his time of pain and suffering even though they had not a clue how he was feeling. Their attempts to help just became statements of judgement and accusation. Take Zophar, for instance. He thought Job was not living according to God’s will.

While we waited for approval to adopt our daughter, months passed without our names appearing on the list. I felt as though I was doing something wrong or that God did not feel like I was ready for this adoption. The months turned into years and I continued to struggle with my faith and following Christ. I thought I was living my life right, but felt God was telling me something different. What I came to discover was that I was trying to control the timeline of my life. As soon as I let go and allowed God to be in control, things moved a lot faster and we were blessed with the perfect little girl to complete our family

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Pray

Dear God, I pray today that you will put your comforting hand on those who need it. Help them to see your way for their life. Amen.

Go with God.