Opposites. I think we all strive for one, not the other. Yet, I think that the two may be inseparable. Without knowing one extreme, how could you know the other?
I have spent the last few days diving into Job (in the Bible). I am so glad I went through it's entirety, yet I will have to go through again for more depth. I wanted to share some incredible things with you. I also am curious as to your thoughts.
I don't know that everyone has lived IN or THROUGH a very difficult circumstance, but I think many have. I was comforted to read, in the Bible no less, the words spoken by Job to God.
By the way, there are 42 chapters. Only the first and last chapters tell of what happened to him, and the end result. All 40 chapters are his conversation with God, and his friends.
"Why is light given to him who is in misery, and life to the bitter of soul, who long for death, but it does not come, and search for it more than hidden treasures; who rejoice exceedingly, and are glad when they can find the grave? Why is light given to a man whose way is hidden, and whom God has hedged in? For my sighing comes before I eat, and my groanings pour out like water. For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me. I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, for trouble comes."
Ever been there? I can relate. I can take comfort in knowing that Job, highly esteemed by God, has been there. He uttered words that are so full of pain, yet so full of honesty before God.
Words from one of Job's friends: He sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety. He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot carry out their plans. But He saves the needy from the sword, from the mouth of the mighty, and from their hand. So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts her mouth. "Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty. For He bruises, but He binds up; He wounds, but His hands make whole."
Back to Job speaking: "To him who is afflicted, kindness should be shown by his friends, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty. My days are spent without hope. Oh, remember that my life is a breath! Therefore I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul. When I say, 'My bed will comfort me, My couch will ease my complaint,' then You scare me with dreams and terrify me with visions, so that my soul chooses strangling and death rather than my body. I loathe my life; Let me alone, for my days are but a breath. What is man, that You should exalt him, that You should set Your heart on him, that You should visit him every morning, and test him every moment? How long? Will You not look away from me, and let me alone till I swallow my saliva? Have I sinned? What have I done to You, O watcher of men? Why have You set me as Your target, so that I am a burden to myself? For now I will lie down in the dust, and You will seek me diligently, but I will no longer be."
Been there?
Another one of Job's friends speak: If you would earnestly seek God and make your supplication to the Almighty, if you were pure and upright, surely now He would awake for you, and prosper your rightful dwelling place. Behold, God will not cast away the blameless, nor will He uphold the evildoers. He will yet fill your mouth with laughing, and your lips with rejoicing.
Sounds good..... but is it true? By the end of Job, I question the "wisdom" of his friends.
Job speaks: God is wise in heart and mighty in strength. Who has hardened himself against Him and prospered? He does great things past finding out, Yes, wonders without number. If He goes by me, I do not see Him; if He moves past, I do not perceive Him; if He takes away, who can hinder Him? Who can say to Him, 'What are You doing?' If I called and He answered me, I would not believe that He was listening to my voice. For He crushes me with a tempest, and multiplies my wounds without cause. He will not allow me to catch my breath, but fills me with bitterness. I despise my life. If I say, 'I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad face and wear a smile,' I am afraid of all my sufferings; I know that You will not hold me innocent. If I am condemned, why then do I labor in vain?
This takes us through chapter 1 - 9. These are not complete chapters, but what I highlighted in my Bible, because it was for me. I hope it can be for you too. To be continued.....
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