Kay Arthur has a study called TRUSTING GOD IN TIMES OF ADVERSITY and it's been super great. I'm sure there are some of you out there who have already done this study--it certainly isn't new.
As I've been pouring over the study this time, however, I'm truly moved by Job's love of God. Even when Job loses everything it says that he tore his robe and shaved his head as was customary with mourning, but then he falls on his face and worships God.
I think of the minor upsets in my own life and cannot say that I'm so faithful. I wish I could. Unfortunately when bad things happen worship isn't the first thought on my mind. Instead, I usually have one thing on my mind and that's to ask God, "Why?" As if by knowing the reason it might ease the pain or change the circumstances.
Job is teaching me a great deal about humbling myself before God. Seeing Job's example has given me pause for reflexion. He loses his stock and possessions, his servants and his children. His wife suggests he curse God and die, but Job tells her she's, "talking as a foolish woman." He asks her if they shouldn't take both good and trouble from God?"
So often it's hard to understand the "why", but with the help of the Word, we can rest in God's faithfulness. Like Job I want to deal with adversity and not sin or charge God with wrongdoing. I want to be able to say,
"The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."
Blessings
Tracie
Tracie, what an awesome perspective on Job. I too have studied Job a couple of times and love Kay Arthur!! One of the things about Job that always resonates with me is that God told Job toward the end of the book, that what Job said about God was true, but not what Job's friends said. Makes me so aware of what I speak, and if it "God's" words or my own!
ReplyDeleteBlessings and thanks for sharing!!
With friends like Job's, who needs enemies?
ReplyDeleteAs for praising God in the midst of grief... Daddy was comatose the last four days of his life. Suddenly, in his very last minute, he opened his eyes. Mom was on the other side of the bed, so I called her over. We all told Daddy we loved him, then he looked up at the ceiling, raised his arm high as if reaching for Jesus, and was gone. Mom cried, "Oh, Roy. My sweetheart, I'm going to miss you." (An understatement after 59 years of marriage.) In the very next breath, she started praying--with thanksgiving for their love, for their years together, for the assurance that they'll be reunited in heaven. She didn't tear her clothes or shave her hair... but she thanked the Lord for having given in the face of His having just taken away, and blessed His holy name.
It was a watershed moment in my life.
Blessed be His name!
Cathy
Thank you for this post Tracie. I've always been amazed by Job and his continued worshipful attitude even in adversity. WOW!! Oh, that I would even come close to having that kind of worshipful spirit when trouble hits. ~ And Cath--thank you for sharing that sweet, sweet story of your Dad's last moments on earth, and your Mom's thankfulness for their loving marriage. Hugs, Patti Jo
ReplyDeleteGood point Doniene, my daughter is always saying we need to be careful not to misrepresent God to His children. Cathy, you told me this about your mom the other day and I was hoping you would comment here. Thanks. Patti Jo, we'll have to just pray for each other to have an attitude of gratitude and a heart of worship. :)
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