When times get bad, people cry out for help.
They cry for relief from being kicked around,
But never give God a thought when things go well,
when God puts spontaneous songs in their hearts. (Job 35:9-10)
Yup, Elihu continues making more sense than Job's other friends. Again, most of what he says resonates as true--just incomplete. His youth created a lack of perspective.
Take the verses above. People cry for help when things get bad. It's as true now as it was in Job's time. I've heard them called "foxhole prayers." (Forgive me my ignorance. Do soldiers still get in foxholes in battle?) Or when we're bargaining for escape from death. "Oh, God, I'll do anything you want, if only You . . ."
More likely than not, they neglect to fulfill their vow, until the next disaster.
I once read a two-book-in-one volume by Philip Yancey: Where is God when it Hurts? and Disappointment with God. Yancey's premise went something like this: God performed an experiment in giving His people everything they wanted or needed: on the journey to Canaan.
We all know the result: the people's faith didn't grow. It stagnated.
Our faith grows in the fire of trials, not in times of ease.
I won't go so far to say I don't think about God when things go well. But He does grab my attention when things go badly.
As far as the spontaneous songs in my heart, I'm always humming or singing. If I'm singing without thinking about it, I'm usually happy. When I'm unhappy, I sing hymns (or play piano, if I can get to one). They sooth my soul and refocus my mind on God. So music, for me, usually focuses my attention back on God.
I will admit that when things are going well, I'm not as inclined to change. Why should I stop doing something when God appears to be blessing me? I'm talking about my ministry, work, whatever God has put my hand to do. As long as God keeps the door open, stay put. When He shuts it, go on to the next things.
We won't know the door is shut without some pain.
Enjoy the times of spontaneous song--and reach for God when we are kicked around. Good advice.
I will close today with some oh-so-true words from Elihu:
If God is silent, what's that to you?
If he turns his face away, what can you do about it?
But whether silent or hidden, he's there, ruling. (Job 34:29-30
If God is silent, what’s that to you?
If he turns his face away, what can you do about it?
But whether silent or hidden, he’s there, ruling (Job 34:29-30)
Cindy, this one is for you. :)
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Friday, July 5, 2013
DOES GOD ANSWER PRAYER? (Job 33)
God always answers, one way or another,
even when people don't recognize his presence. (Job 33:13-14)
Today young Elihu speaks up. He has waited for his elders to speak. When they failed to convince Job, he felt compelled to speak. (I love the way he explains himself: The Spirit of God made me what I am, the breath of God Almighty gave me life!)
All my life I've heard the maxim: God always answers prayer. Sometimes it's "yes," sometimes it's "no," sometimes it's "wait."
So far in these chapters, Elihu hasn't said anything that raises my hackles. Well, maybe at the end, but I'll get there.
God answers but we don't recognize his presence. Yup, that's me. Hmm, I have a hard time knowing what God's will is. I pray "what should I do?" but I don't get a clear cut answer. Maybe my spiritual hearing has improved as I've grown older. At some critical junctures in my past, I felt the most strongly that God led me to do something that ended in disaster. A tough place. Either I misunderstood God's will, or else He wanted me to go through that difficult period. Neither answer sat well with me.
Elihu gives examples of ways God speaks. These are as true today as they were back then.
In a dream, for instance, a vision at night.. .God opens their ears and impresses them with warnings. (Job 33:15-16)
I rarely remember my dreams. After Jolene died, I had several dreams about her. She was alive, at peace, in the dreams. I woke up gradually to her absence. But they comforted me.
The second way Elihu mentions, we discussed yesterday.
God might get their attention through pain. (Job 33:19)
God, couldn't you have taught these lessons some other way? But like Benjamin Franklin first said (found this yesterday when I was looking for quotes on wisdom): "There is no gain without pain."
Then Elihu pulls out what he considers his trump card:
You may fall on your knees and pray--to God's delight!
If only he did this, according to Elihu,You'll see God's smile and celebrate.
Hmm, I took Job's raging at heaven as a form of prayer. He wanted to talk with God. He wanted God to speak. And God was silent.
I agree, God speaks to us in ways we don't recognize.
I agree, God doesn't always give us what we want (and I'm glad).
Does Elihu think that using a prayer formula or a specific prayer posture would guarantee a better answer? Because it's true, Job isn't kneeling in reverence and penitence.
Elihu has wisdom, but he still doesn't have experience. Maybe God had always worked that way in his short life. And he didn't have the wisdom to recognize God works in different ways at different times.
Sometimes prayer is a battle. Battling with God. About ourselves. For others. I have heard of people awakened in the middle of the night to pray. That has happened to be very rarely--but it has happened occasionally.
If you ever wonder why God doesn't seem to be listening--take a second look at Job.
After I wrote this post last night, I felt compelled to mention a book I read years ago. Prolific author Cecil Murphey had a Job-like experience, not in suffering so much as experiencing God's silence. Seeking God's Hidden Face: When God Seems Absent. I don't recall the details, but the fact I remember the book suggests it made a powerful impact on me. If you are struggling with the issue of God's silence, check it out.
even when people don't recognize his presence. (Job 33:13-14)
Today young Elihu speaks up. He has waited for his elders to speak. When they failed to convince Job, he felt compelled to speak. (I love the way he explains himself: The Spirit of God made me what I am, the breath of God Almighty gave me life!)
All my life I've heard the maxim: God always answers prayer. Sometimes it's "yes," sometimes it's "no," sometimes it's "wait."
So far in these chapters, Elihu hasn't said anything that raises my hackles. Well, maybe at the end, but I'll get there.
God answers but we don't recognize his presence. Yup, that's me. Hmm, I have a hard time knowing what God's will is. I pray "what should I do?" but I don't get a clear cut answer. Maybe my spiritual hearing has improved as I've grown older. At some critical junctures in my past, I felt the most strongly that God led me to do something that ended in disaster. A tough place. Either I misunderstood God's will, or else He wanted me to go through that difficult period. Neither answer sat well with me.
Elihu gives examples of ways God speaks. These are as true today as they were back then.
In a dream, for instance, a vision at night.. .God opens their ears and impresses them with warnings. (Job 33:15-16)
I rarely remember my dreams. After Jolene died, I had several dreams about her. She was alive, at peace, in the dreams. I woke up gradually to her absence. But they comforted me.
The second way Elihu mentions, we discussed yesterday.
God might get their attention through pain. (Job 33:19)
God, couldn't you have taught these lessons some other way? But like Benjamin Franklin first said (found this yesterday when I was looking for quotes on wisdom): "There is no gain without pain."
Then Elihu pulls out what he considers his trump card:
You may fall on your knees and pray--to God's delight!
If only he did this, according to Elihu,You'll see God's smile and celebrate.
Hmm, I took Job's raging at heaven as a form of prayer. He wanted to talk with God. He wanted God to speak. And God was silent.
I agree, God speaks to us in ways we don't recognize.
I agree, God doesn't always give us what we want (and I'm glad).
Does Elihu think that using a prayer formula or a specific prayer posture would guarantee a better answer? Because it's true, Job isn't kneeling in reverence and penitence.
Elihu has wisdom, but he still doesn't have experience. Maybe God had always worked that way in his short life. And he didn't have the wisdom to recognize God works in different ways at different times.
Sometimes prayer is a battle. Battling with God. About ourselves. For others. I have heard of people awakened in the middle of the night to pray. That has happened to be very rarely--but it has happened occasionally.
If you ever wonder why God doesn't seem to be listening--take a second look at Job.
After I wrote this post last night, I felt compelled to mention a book I read years ago. Prolific author Cecil Murphey had a Job-like experience, not in suffering so much as experiencing God's silence. Seeking God's Hidden Face: When God Seems Absent. I don't recall the details, but the fact I remember the book suggests it made a powerful impact on me. If you are struggling with the issue of God's silence, check it out.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
CHRONIC PAIN (Job 30)
And now my life drains out,
as suffering seizes and grips me hard.
Night gnaws at my bones;
the pain never lets up. (Job 30:16-17)
Oh, Job. I read about the boils before. I never noticed these words on seizing and night pains until I, too, struggle with them night after night and have healed from pressure sore.
Job, I understand your physical suffering anew, as I can begin to imagine your pain at losing your family.
When Satan and God had their conversation at the beginning of the book, Job didn't say anything about his losses beyond God gives, and God takes. Blessed be the name of the Lord. He didn't voice his despair and questions until God allowed Satan to also attack his health. The wording is gruesome: Job was ulcers and scabs from head to foot. Equating Job with his skin disease? It must have covered him without leaving an empty spot.
I had one tiny pressure sore. It was horrible.
More than that, I have rls (restless leg syndrome) as well as muscle spasms, whether from lack of movement or from lack of potassium, I don't know. So I suffer as a spasm seizes me. My body goes rigid.
And it's worst at night. I can't ignore it, it gnaws at me, my bones pop as my hips and knees grind bone against bone.
And some nights, the pain never lets up.
The nights I can sleep six hours pain free are rare indeed. And when I hurt, I sleep in fifteen to twenty minute snatches--until the next spasm hits.
I go into these details, not to make you feel sorry for me. And Job's pain stayed with him all day. I'm generally okay throughout the day, except when it's past time for my next pain pill. :)
I tried offering the pain to God as a sacrifice of praise. Hoping it would take my mind off the pain. It didn't work. Job offered his grief to God. His physical pain pushed him past the breaking point. He demanded answers.
I can better understand the fierce emotion of Job's words. Pain does that to you. It exaggerates and magnifies other frustrations. If I can't be pain free, then at least I won't be forced to eat a tuna fish sandwich. At least I shouldn't have to wait to receive help that would ease the pain.
No wonder Job had no patience with his friends.
As I earlier held up Job as an example of dealing with emotional suffering, I hold him up now to those with chronc diseases, especially pain.
And perhaps take hope that our suffering also testifies to God's glory as Job's did.
as suffering seizes and grips me hard.
Night gnaws at my bones;
the pain never lets up. (Job 30:16-17)
Oh, Job. I read about the boils before. I never noticed these words on seizing and night pains until I, too, struggle with them night after night and have healed from pressure sore.
Job, I understand your physical suffering anew, as I can begin to imagine your pain at losing your family.
When Satan and God had their conversation at the beginning of the book, Job didn't say anything about his losses beyond God gives, and God takes. Blessed be the name of the Lord. He didn't voice his despair and questions until God allowed Satan to also attack his health. The wording is gruesome: Job was ulcers and scabs from head to foot. Equating Job with his skin disease? It must have covered him without leaving an empty spot.
I had one tiny pressure sore. It was horrible.
More than that, I have rls (restless leg syndrome) as well as muscle spasms, whether from lack of movement or from lack of potassium, I don't know. So I suffer as a spasm seizes me. My body goes rigid.
And it's worst at night. I can't ignore it, it gnaws at me, my bones pop as my hips and knees grind bone against bone.
And some nights, the pain never lets up.
The nights I can sleep six hours pain free are rare indeed. And when I hurt, I sleep in fifteen to twenty minute snatches--until the next spasm hits.
I go into these details, not to make you feel sorry for me. And Job's pain stayed with him all day. I'm generally okay throughout the day, except when it's past time for my next pain pill. :)
I tried offering the pain to God as a sacrifice of praise. Hoping it would take my mind off the pain. It didn't work. Job offered his grief to God. His physical pain pushed him past the breaking point. He demanded answers.
I can better understand the fierce emotion of Job's words. Pain does that to you. It exaggerates and magnifies other frustrations. If I can't be pain free, then at least I won't be forced to eat a tuna fish sandwich. At least I shouldn't have to wait to receive help that would ease the pain.
No wonder Job had no patience with his friends.
As I earlier held up Job as an example of dealing with emotional suffering, I hold him up now to those with chronc diseases, especially pain.
And perhaps take hope that our suffering also testifies to God's glory as Job's did.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Where to look for Wisdom (Job 29)
I looked for something cool for the 4th of July--Independence Day, after all!
The chapters were on wisdom--so I looked up for what insightful comments our founding fathers had about wisdom.
Definition first, place: knowledge; insight; good sense.
I have debated at times whether I have the spiritual gift of "wisdom" in addition to "knowledge." I've decided I have the gift of "knowledge" with a heavy dose of "teaching" and "encouragement." (For those of you unacquainted with spiritual gifts, feel free to ignore.)
Here are a few quotes and wise men and wisdom from our founding fathers:
How about this pithy proverb, which we all know? "Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise." Thank Benjamin Franklin for that bit of wisdom.
Okay, good sleeping habits can bring health and wealth and wisdom.
Thomas Jefferson attributed wisdom to a different reason: "Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom." Honesty, another good character trait.
John Adams promoted education: "Laws for the liberal education of youth, especially for the lower classes of people, are so extremely wise and useful that to a humane and generous mind, no expense for this purpose would be thought extravagant."
The one who came the closest to what Job might have said is Abraham Lincoln: "It is said an Eastern monarch once charged his wise men to invent him a sentence to be ever in view, and which should be true and appropriate in all times and situations. They presented him the words: 'And this, too, shall pass away.'"
That was Job's hope--this too would end, even if only after death.
But Job had a better answer than any of our founding fathers, as wise as those men were.
[God] focused on Wisdom,
made sure it was all set and tested and ready.
Then he addressed the human race: 'Here it is!
Fear-of-the-Lord--that's Wisdom,
and Insight means shunning evil. (Job 28:27-28)
Wisdom is a gift from God, tested and ready for our use.
It comes from fearing the Lord--and leads to shunning evil.
That kind of wisdom may lead to healthy habits, honesty, perspective.
But it starts with God.
The chapters were on wisdom--so I looked up for what insightful comments our founding fathers had about wisdom.
Definition first, place: knowledge; insight; good sense.
I have debated at times whether I have the spiritual gift of "wisdom" in addition to "knowledge." I've decided I have the gift of "knowledge" with a heavy dose of "teaching" and "encouragement." (For those of you unacquainted with spiritual gifts, feel free to ignore.)
Here are a few quotes and wise men and wisdom from our founding fathers:
How about this pithy proverb, which we all know? "Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise." Thank Benjamin Franklin for that bit of wisdom.
Okay, good sleeping habits can bring health and wealth and wisdom.
Thomas Jefferson attributed wisdom to a different reason: "Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom." Honesty, another good character trait.
John Adams promoted education: "Laws for the liberal education of youth, especially for the lower classes of people, are so extremely wise and useful that to a humane and generous mind, no expense for this purpose would be thought extravagant."
The one who came the closest to what Job might have said is Abraham Lincoln: "It is said an Eastern monarch once charged his wise men to invent him a sentence to be ever in view, and which should be true and appropriate in all times and situations. They presented him the words: 'And this, too, shall pass away.'"
That was Job's hope--this too would end, even if only after death.
But Job had a better answer than any of our founding fathers, as wise as those men were.
[God] focused on Wisdom,
made sure it was all set and tested and ready.
Then he addressed the human race: 'Here it is!
Fear-of-the-Lord--that's Wisdom,
and Insight means shunning evil. (Job 28:27-28)
Wisdom is a gift from God, tested and ready for our use.
It comes from fearing the Lord--and leads to shunning evil.
That kind of wisdom may lead to healthy habits, honesty, perspective.
But it starts with God.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
NATURE REVEALS GOD (Job 26)
Years ago, in college and later in Seminary, I took classes in "systematic theology." So today I''m going to get on one of soap boxes. Tell me if you agree or disagree.
Theology (the Bible, really) tells us that God reveals Himself in three ways: in nature, in the word of God, and in the person of Jesus Christ.
Paul argues the importance of revelation through nature in the opening chapter of Romans. He is making the point that all people know God through nature, so they can't complain that they didn't have the Bible. . . .By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can't see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. (Romans 1:18-23, MSG)
But most people, then and now, chose to ignore what can be seen of God through nature. Instead, in the words from KJV that resonate with me now as much as they did as a child, men "worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator." (Romans 1:25)
Paul spelled out "creature" earlier in the chapter--idols--but I think 21st century man has substituted a different "creature" for idols: science.
My basic take on the existence of God: even if you accept the theory of evolution (I don't), you reach a point where you ask "who started it?" Where did matter come from?
But modern man, especially "scientists" (as portrayed on television and in books), believe that if they can find an explanation for how things work, God is unnecessary. They fail to see the hand of the designer in his design.
Okay. That's my soapbox. What does this have to do with Job?
Job makes the same point about the revelation of God through nature--in his incredible, beautiful language.
He spreads out the northern skies over empty space;
he suspends the earth over nothing.
He wraps up the water in his clouds,
yet the clouds do not burst under their weight. (Job 26:7-8, NIV)
Astrophysicists and weather specialist can explain those things lately--and fail to see as clearly as Job did. (Not that I don't value what they have given us.)
And these are but the outer fringe of his works;
how faint the whisper we hear of him!
Who then can understand the thunder of his power?
(Job 26:14 NIV)
Hmm, I wrote a devotional on that thought in my newly released book, It Is Well with My Soul. . . listen to God's whisper now or be prepared to hear His thunder later!
Theology (the Bible, really) tells us that God reveals Himself in three ways: in nature, in the word of God, and in the person of Jesus Christ.
Paul argues the importance of revelation through nature in the opening chapter of Romans. He is making the point that all people know God through nature, so they can't complain that they didn't have the Bible. . . .By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can't see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. (Romans 1:18-23, MSG)
But most people, then and now, chose to ignore what can be seen of God through nature. Instead, in the words from KJV that resonate with me now as much as they did as a child, men "worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator." (Romans 1:25)
Paul spelled out "creature" earlier in the chapter--idols--but I think 21st century man has substituted a different "creature" for idols: science.
My basic take on the existence of God: even if you accept the theory of evolution (I don't), you reach a point where you ask "who started it?" Where did matter come from?
But modern man, especially "scientists" (as portrayed on television and in books), believe that if they can find an explanation for how things work, God is unnecessary. They fail to see the hand of the designer in his design.
Okay. That's my soapbox. What does this have to do with Job?
Job makes the same point about the revelation of God through nature--in his incredible, beautiful language.
He spreads out the northern skies over empty space;
he suspends the earth over nothing.
He wraps up the water in his clouds,
yet the clouds do not burst under their weight. (Job 26:7-8, NIV)
Astrophysicists and weather specialist can explain those things lately--and fail to see as clearly as Job did. (Not that I don't value what they have given us.)
And these are but the outer fringe of his works;
how faint the whisper we hear of him!
Who then can understand the thunder of his power?
(Job 26:14 NIV)
Hmm, I wrote a devotional on that thought in my newly released book, It Is Well with My Soul. . . listen to God's whisper now or be prepared to hear His thunder later!
Monday, July 1, 2013
SECURITY (Job 22-24)1
Today I ran across an interesting Facebook post: "I heard someone say, 'I like having money. It gives me a sense of security.' ... What do u think of this statement??"
The responses who mostly said the person put his trust in the wrong thing. Giving the obvious (and true) answer: Our security ultimately lies in God.
About as helpful as Job's friends.
I couldn't help but think of that when I read Job's latest response today. His "friends" have taken off their gloves, with no conciliatory words before attacking him.
Rather than attacking his counselors, Job ups his complaint to God. He actually says, "God has no right to treat me like this--it isn't fair!" He is searching for God, to go to court with God. He had no doubts that God would acquit him.
The only problem: Job can't find God. And in spite of his bravado, he also acknowledges God's sovereignty. "[God] is singular and sovereign. Who can argue with him? He does what he wants, when he wants to. He'll complete in detail what he's decided about me, and whatever else he determines to do." (Job 23:13-14)
God will complete in detail His will for me. That can give us confidence. Remember Philippians 1:6? "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
In Job's case, he knows he can't outthink or outargue God. If God has decided to treat Job this way, nothing Job says can change His mind. And he is terrified at the same time he wants an audience with God.
Over and above it all, though, it's clear that Job's security rests in God. Even when he doesn't understand what God is doing.
In chapter 24, Job contradicts his friends, saying, look how many bad people have it easy? They kill, rape, trod on the poor--and profit from it.
He gives his answer to question about security with a simple sentence: They may have an illusion of security, but God has his eye on them. (Job 24:22-24, MSG)
What's my take away from this passage?
If Job didn't trust God, he wouldn't hurl questions at Him. He would hide or ignore Him. Look for answers elsewhere.
Bottom line? God is big enough to handle our questions and anger. Our biggest mistake is to take them elsewhere.
The responses who mostly said the person put his trust in the wrong thing. Giving the obvious (and true) answer: Our security ultimately lies in God.
About as helpful as Job's friends.
I couldn't help but think of that when I read Job's latest response today. His "friends" have taken off their gloves, with no conciliatory words before attacking him.
Rather than attacking his counselors, Job ups his complaint to God. He actually says, "God has no right to treat me like this--it isn't fair!" He is searching for God, to go to court with God. He had no doubts that God would acquit him.
The only problem: Job can't find God. And in spite of his bravado, he also acknowledges God's sovereignty. "[God] is singular and sovereign. Who can argue with him? He does what he wants, when he wants to. He'll complete in detail what he's decided about me, and whatever else he determines to do." (Job 23:13-14)
God will complete in detail His will for me. That can give us confidence. Remember Philippians 1:6? "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
In Job's case, he knows he can't outthink or outargue God. If God has decided to treat Job this way, nothing Job says can change His mind. And he is terrified at the same time he wants an audience with God.
Over and above it all, though, it's clear that Job's security rests in God. Even when he doesn't understand what God is doing.
In chapter 24, Job contradicts his friends, saying, look how many bad people have it easy? They kill, rape, trod on the poor--and profit from it.
He gives his answer to question about security with a simple sentence: They may have an illusion of security, but God has his eye on them. (Job 24:22-24, MSG)
What's my take away from this passage?
If Job didn't trust God, he wouldn't hurl questions at Him. He would hide or ignore Him. Look for answers elsewhere.
Bottom line? God is big enough to handle our questions and anger. Our biggest mistake is to take them elsewhere.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
OFFERING COMFORT (Job 20-21)
Poor Job. Stuck with ordinary humans in the complaint department.
Often--not always--when I struggle with depression or the unanswerable "whys" of life, a well-meaning friend will try to jolly me out of my depression. They repeat theology I know as well as they do. I know all of that. But right now, I'm hurting and the answers don't satisfy.
Zophar was like those friends. "You've put my teeth on edge, my stomach in a knot." (Job 20:2) Both because of Job's situation--but even more for his persistent refusal to be satisfied with easy answers. Trials=sin. Confess and get right with God. Have you ever heard of "blaming the victim?" Zophar had it down to a science.
When people give me pat answers, I generally attempt to accept it in the spirit it's meant: comfort.
Job's patience had run out. He finally lashes out as his friends. "It's not you I'm complaining to--it's God. Is it any wonder I'm getting fed up with his silence? Take a good look at me. Aren't you appalled by what's happened? No! Don't say anything. I can do without your comments."
Aren't you appalled by what's happened?
Did the friends say any words of horror, words that aren't recorded in the Bible? Or did they jump into their sermons, attack on Job and his character?
When my daughter took her life, the question we were asked the most often was "how did it happen?" followed by "did you have any clues?"
As my mother put it, "why? Do you want to do it yourself?"
The grisly nightly news, reenacted in my house. They wanted details. And actually, we had good reason to think Jolene was in a good place that day. We had made plans for her birthday. Police had seen her, and left, convinced she was in a good place.
At least our last conversation was a good one.
At least my friends realized my loss was appalling.
Job was tired of the flunkies trying to answer. He had the faith--like David, in the psalms, so far in his future--to complain directly to God. He wasn't whispering his doubts in someone's ear, hoping God couldn't hear him. Job was shouting at God!
When God's answer is neither, yes, no, or even wait awhile? When it's total silence?
Job wanted, needed, answers NOW. And God wouldn't oblige.
When your friends are struggling, Job would advise: Don't blame the victim. Don't offer easy answers. Join them in silence. Allow them to express their feelings. Share in their pain.
Often--not always--when I struggle with depression or the unanswerable "whys" of life, a well-meaning friend will try to jolly me out of my depression. They repeat theology I know as well as they do. I know all of that. But right now, I'm hurting and the answers don't satisfy.
Zophar was like those friends. "You've put my teeth on edge, my stomach in a knot." (Job 20:2) Both because of Job's situation--but even more for his persistent refusal to be satisfied with easy answers. Trials=sin. Confess and get right with God. Have you ever heard of "blaming the victim?" Zophar had it down to a science.
When people give me pat answers, I generally attempt to accept it in the spirit it's meant: comfort.
Job's patience had run out. He finally lashes out as his friends. "It's not you I'm complaining to--it's God. Is it any wonder I'm getting fed up with his silence? Take a good look at me. Aren't you appalled by what's happened? No! Don't say anything. I can do without your comments."
Aren't you appalled by what's happened?
Did the friends say any words of horror, words that aren't recorded in the Bible? Or did they jump into their sermons, attack on Job and his character?
When my daughter took her life, the question we were asked the most often was "how did it happen?" followed by "did you have any clues?"
As my mother put it, "why? Do you want to do it yourself?"
The grisly nightly news, reenacted in my house. They wanted details. And actually, we had good reason to think Jolene was in a good place that day. We had made plans for her birthday. Police had seen her, and left, convinced she was in a good place.
At least our last conversation was a good one.
At least my friends realized my loss was appalling.
Job was tired of the flunkies trying to answer. He had the faith--like David, in the psalms, so far in his future--to complain directly to God. He wasn't whispering his doubts in someone's ear, hoping God couldn't hear him. Job was shouting at God!
When God's answer is neither, yes, no, or even wait awhile? When it's total silence?
Job wanted, needed, answers NOW. And God wouldn't oblige.
When your friends are struggling, Job would advise: Don't blame the victim. Don't offer easy answers. Join them in silence. Allow them to express their feelings. Share in their pain.
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