Focus

Be still and pay attention to your breath. Relax into a time for reading scripture and prayer.

 

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Read

Job 42:1-6 (NRSV)

Then Job answered the LORD:
“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 uttered what I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
‘Hear, and I will speak;
I will question you, and you declare to me.’
I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,
but now my eye sees you;
therefore I despise myself,
and repent in dust and ashes.”

 

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Reflect

Job has plumbed the depths of suffering and despair. The story of Job takes us on a journey through his suffering. And, accompanying Job in this journey, we come out on the other side of his story. After all of his suffering, there is the possibility of new life and a new way of seeing his relationship with God. Job now has first-hand knowledge of God and has reached a point of peace.

In the midst of struggles and worries, we desperately search for peace of mind. Often our struggles are made more difficult by our attempts to change those things that are not within our control. These attempts at controlling the outcome are often fueled by fear. Instead, may our fear be replaced by a solid trust in the promise that nothing can separate us from God’s love.

This excerpt from a song written and sung by Joan Baez puts it plainly:

“ I believe in miracles,
Something sacred burning in every bush and tree.
We can all learn to sing the songs the angels sing.
Yeah, I believe in God,
and God ain’t me.”

 

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Pray

Awesome God, we humbly acknowledge our limited view. Walk with us through our struggles nourishing us with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Help us to live our lives according to you purpose. Amen.

 

Go with God!