I've got such a good streak going, here, that I'm determined not to break it. So I brought my stuff to work with me tonight, since Thursday night is a pretty slow night for me. So I'll barely get this one in on January 31.
The other neat thing, though, is that, except for, I think, two verses out of 176, all of the verses have to do with the Word of God, using various words like "precepts," "promises," "law," "word," or other such words.
Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!
Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,
who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!--Psalm 119:1-3
It's review day, time to look back on the past six entries in my journal.
Day 64--Giving Comfort
When people are down and hurting, they don't need to be "preached at." They need comfort. Job's "friends" did not offer him this comfort. Instead, they preached at him. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for a hurting friend is to just be there. Words are not always necessary. And the full truth is not always helpful. There are times when we need to hold back part of the "truth" until a later time. First, get the person through the hurt. Then, worry about the truth.
Day 65--The Mystery of a Mighty God
God is a mighty God. Man cannot think to take him on and come out unscathed. Mankind is extremely arrogant to think that he can continue to get away with refusing to acknowledge God.
I am in awe of his constant presence in my life. And God is always present, even when I'm not practicing it.
Day 66--Talking Transparently With God
Job is bemoaning his condition, after he has lost everything. However, even through his complaints, he knows that God lives and will be his salvation. He is not afraid to be "transparent" with God. We should be the same way. God can handle our venting. And he will tell us the truth with love.
Day 67--Empty Comfort
Again, hurting people don't need "empty comfort." We need to avoid being like Eliphaz in this situation. Cliches don't work and aren't needed at all when people need our comfort. They need our hearts more than anything. Any comfort that we give to people needs to be tempered with some real thoughtfulness. And praying for and with people is the best thing we can do for them. Sometimes, it really means a lot to someone if you interrupt whatever you are doing to pray for them right that moment. It's easy to tell someone, "I'll pray for you," then go off and do your own thing, more than likely totally forgetting the promise of prayer. But it takes a little sacrifice to stop and pray right that moment.
Day 68--Thirsting For Justice
Job wants to know where God is in his situation. And not just his situation, but the circumstances of the world around him. He sees injustice everywhere, but he doesn't "see" God doing anything about it. We don't always see what God is doing, though. We must have confidence that he will render justice, in due time. People will suffer and hurt, but in the end, God will be victorious and justice will be served. It is totally up to him and his timing, though.
Day 69--God's Silence
Job feels the absence of God's presence. Even though God is there, as always, Job doesn't hear from him, which is a terrifying experience. He has almost lost hope entirely. We must never lose the confidence that God is with us, even when he is being silent. His presence is a very real promise that he gives to us, and God is not capable of breaking a promise.
That's it for tonight. Be back tomorrow with more as God begins to question Job back. This part gets fun...especially when God describes what I can only surmise was a dragon!
Grace and peace, y'all!