YGT: Triple-A for the Broken

The Revised Common Lectionary Old Testament text for this past Sunday was Job 23. It described Job’s honest feelings with God after he’d lost his livelihood, his family has died, and his friends had turned on him. Job was brutally honest with God, sharing his frustrations and pain. When Job was at his lowest point, when he was completely broken in spirit, he expressed three things:



1.   Anger... “Today also my complaint is bitter; his hand is heavy despite my groaning." (v.2)

Job told God that he was bitter and confessed that he was complaining.  He didn't act as if he felt ok with how God was treating him.  He was open enough to say he was angry.


2.   Abandonment... “If I go forward, he is not there; or backward, I cannot perceive him; on the left he hides, and I cannot behold him; I turn to the right, but I cannot see him." (v.8-9)

Job continued that everywhere he turned, it felt like God wasn't there.  God, who claims to be omnipresent*, is nowhere to be found.  Job doesn't sugarcoat this reality, but acknowledges it openly - God, I don't sense You anywhere.

3.   Assurance..."But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I shall come out like gold." (v.10)

Job assured himself that God was still in control and that he would be better because of his testing.  Wow, Job found assurance in God even during his brokenness.  Job doesn't ignore his emotions, but he doesn't let them overrule his belief in God.  

If this is your story today and you find yourself broken, learn from Job.  We don't have to be politically correct with God.  That wasn't Job's pattern and it shouldn't be ours.  God is big enough to handle how we feel.  God can handle the truth.  

We should also learn to find our place of assurance, to remember that after this test we will come out as pure gold.   Admittedly, this is the tough part.  There's no easy way to do this.  But we must hold onto a seed of faith (a mustard seed even) that reminds us that God is somehow still in control of it all.  As we travel this earthly journey, God can handle and heal our brokenness.

Lord, we trust You, but that doesn't mean we always understand You.  Sometimes, we don't know what to trust.  You say You love us, but You allow us to hurt, to cry, to die.  How can this be?  Our anger is kindled when we see innocent people suffer and crooked people prosper.  Where are you in this?  I don't know, but I believe You're around.  You're somewhere and everywhere; watching, welcoming, witnessing, and waiting for us.  Please help our faith, please help our unbelief, please assure the broken.  In Christ's name, Amen.

Contrite,

j.a.g.

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*Romans 8:38-39 is an interesting passage to read alongside these verses

On Blooming Where You're Planted

Some people close to me work in places they are not thrilled about. They have a passion that isn’t quite fulfilled in their current job, but nonetheless, they have to work. (If that’s you, you can high-five the computer screen, lol)

Well in spite of this, these people have been faithful in their positions and they have been approached about the possibility of advancement. Whoa, how does that happen? How do you receive favor in situations that may not be favorable to you?

I believe it’s because they have understood the principle of blooming where you’re planted. That is, being grateful for where you are and working as if God put you there. The Bible says we can be made the ruler over many things if we are faithful over a few things (Matthew 25:23 below). If God is sovereign and in control of everything, then God puts us in the positions in life we are in. The positions we are in should be opportunities to express to God how appreciative we are and to others how we can work. Like God, people also can see when we are good, faithful workers (your work can and should be a witness – hmm). Either way, a diligent attitude is one that will be rewarded!

If you are discouraged about your current station in life (job situation or otherwise), try blooming. Be your best on your job, in your relationships, with your money, etc. and watch God move. God will take the little that you have and make it much. Be your best wherever you are!

When your station in life is not wanted,

Don’t be tempted to wallow in gloom.

You can’t always control where you’re planted,

You can always control if you bloom.

Lord, You are worthy of all we are and all we’ll ever be. Please help us to be faithful and diligent wherever we are in life. When times are tough, give us a special anointing to endure with a positive spirit. We give You glory for being with us and giving us the strength to bloom as Your children. Let us be living witnesses for You! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

j.a.g.

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Matthew 25:23 - His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

Other passages that are helpful: The parable of the talents in Matthew 25; Joseph’s rise to being a leader in Egypt in Genesis 41; Daniel, Azariah, Hananiah, and Mishael’s ascension in Babylon in Daniel 1-3 (check out verse 3:30 in particular)