The Right Posture
In recent times, we have witnessed unprecedented catastrophic events. Treacherous weather conditions that have added to the horrific fires and loss of life in the US, not to mention the disasters experienced in the rest of the world. The pain and grief experienced by so many is mind boggling. I lift my prayers, as I am sure you do, for all the painful events that multitudes are experiencing, far and near.
“Confidence is what you have until you understand the situation.” It is one thing to watch or hear of tragedies taking place on local or national news. It is another to have tragedy strike home or nearby. It is one thing to see the roof on someone else’s burn or fly away, it is another to have your roof burn or fly away.
While we cannot avoid natural disasters, trials, and tribulations, we can learn from them. Hopefully, when we are made aware of catastrophes or the like taking place in our world, we will recognize that we are not as in control of our world as we may think. Our self-focused pride prevents us from living with a clear view of life and all it entails.
Reading the account of Job’s story in the Bible should bring one to their knees. Yes, I know Job lived before the cross and did not understand or experience the authority of the believer as is taught in the Church today. However, there are powerful truths revealed in his story. Maybe one of the most important truths is to live in a state of humility before God and others.
Job.38:1-14 Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm, He said: who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man, I will question you, and you shall answer me. Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings, or who laid its cornerstone - while the morning stars sang together, and all the angels shouted for joy? Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness, when I fixed limits for it and set its doors and bars in place, when I said, This far you may come and no further; here is where your proud waves halt? Have you ever given orders to the morning or shown the dawn its place, that it might take the earth by the edges, and shake the wicked out of it? The earth takes shape like clay under a seal; its features stand out like those of a garment.
Chapters 38-41 record the questions God posed to Job. The questions are so humbling because they point to the reality that there is a God, and He is not you or me!
Job 42:1-6 Job then responded to God’s questions. “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, “Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?” Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.” You said, Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.” My ears have heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore, I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.
Job’s response was one of humility and repentance for his sinful thinking. Pain and suffering have a way of getting our attention and hopefully the results are humility and change.
I do not understand the events and tragedies in our world and the deep pain of those suffering. One thing I do know. It is essential that you and I remain in a place of true humility and gratitude for every breath graciously given to us by God and every step we are able to take.
It is also critical and essential that we extend love, sympathy, empathy, mercy, forgiveness and grace towards others. We have not walked their journey, and we do not know the reality of their story and how it has impacted their life.
In these perilous times, Micah 6:8 sums it up well…
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
You are loved!
“Confidence is what you have until you understand the situation.” It is one thing to watch or hear of tragedies taking place on local or national news. It is another to have tragedy strike home or nearby. It is one thing to see the roof on someone else’s burn or fly away, it is another to have your roof burn or fly away.
While we cannot avoid natural disasters, trials, and tribulations, we can learn from them. Hopefully, when we are made aware of catastrophes or the like taking place in our world, we will recognize that we are not as in control of our world as we may think. Our self-focused pride prevents us from living with a clear view of life and all it entails.
Reading the account of Job’s story in the Bible should bring one to their knees. Yes, I know Job lived before the cross and did not understand or experience the authority of the believer as is taught in the Church today. However, there are powerful truths revealed in his story. Maybe one of the most important truths is to live in a state of humility before God and others.
Job.38:1-14 Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm, He said: who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man, I will question you, and you shall answer me. Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings, or who laid its cornerstone - while the morning stars sang together, and all the angels shouted for joy? Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness, when I fixed limits for it and set its doors and bars in place, when I said, This far you may come and no further; here is where your proud waves halt? Have you ever given orders to the morning or shown the dawn its place, that it might take the earth by the edges, and shake the wicked out of it? The earth takes shape like clay under a seal; its features stand out like those of a garment.
Chapters 38-41 record the questions God posed to Job. The questions are so humbling because they point to the reality that there is a God, and He is not you or me!
Job 42:1-6 Job then responded to God’s questions. “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, “Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?” Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.” You said, Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.” My ears have heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore, I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.
Job’s response was one of humility and repentance for his sinful thinking. Pain and suffering have a way of getting our attention and hopefully the results are humility and change.
I do not understand the events and tragedies in our world and the deep pain of those suffering. One thing I do know. It is essential that you and I remain in a place of true humility and gratitude for every breath graciously given to us by God and every step we are able to take.
It is also critical and essential that we extend love, sympathy, empathy, mercy, forgiveness and grace towards others. We have not walked their journey, and we do not know the reality of their story and how it has impacted their life.
In these perilous times, Micah 6:8 sums it up well…
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
You are loved!
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