Show and Tell

DAY 39
Job 42:1 - Psalms 24:10

First, I want to give credit to Kiki Cherry for the picture. She used it on her website to direct people they are ministering to toward our church's journey through the Bible. And if you didn't know it, there are people from other states that have decided to join us in our quest.

Show and Tell was always the fun part of school. You could bring anything to class and share it with your friends. You would also explain why it was so important to you.

Psalms are very personal. We are drawn to the emotion that bursts through the tears, laughter, and shouts of the authors. Whether we have times of rejoicing, sorrow, fear, or trouble; we always turn to them to express how we feel. We use them as prayers and praises in our own lives.

So its your time for "Show and Tell." During each day's section of reading, if there is a Psalm that has personal meaning to you, I would love for you to share it and why it is important to you.

Here is my "Show and Tell" for Psalms 4:8 " I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."

A few months after my youngest was born, I was sent overseas for Iraqi Freedom. My wife and I decided to read through the Psalms while I was gone. Right before the war started, our base cut all email and phone conversations back home. So for about two weeks, I didn't get to talk to my family. During this time, as we were flying combat missions into the unknown, I came upon this verse and memorized it. It allowed me to rest in the arms of God at night and trust Him with my safety. At the same time back home, my wife read this verse and prayed it for me. When we were able to talk again, we both shared this verse together. When I got back, we had it written above the doorway in our son's room. In the midst of turmoil, I am reminded that God alone is in charge of me. That only His decision can bring me home. Therefore, while I am still in this foreign land, I can lie down and sleep in peace because God is in control.

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Show and Tell

Job, Part 2: I Will Question You, and You Shall Answer Me

DAY 38
Job 25:1-41:34

Job is a difficult book about suffering. It covers physical suffering, mental anguish, despair, and feelings of abandonment from God. Job and each of his friends try to explain why Job is suffering. What has Job done to deserve such disfavor from God? Obviously, Job has committed sin against God?? Job defends his righteousness before the Lord in response to his friends. Even God says at the beginning of the book, that Job was blameless and upright.

But that is precisely the problem!! Job and his friends are focusing on the wrong person. They are talking about Job's character, when they should be talking about God's character.

When Elihu speaks beginning is chapter 32 we see a change in the conversation from why Job is suffering to who God is and what is God's character.

When the Lord speaks in chapter 38 he starts with "Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me." Notice the Lord does not explain Job's suffering, God uses the next few chapters to make a statement about who He is! And God questions Job's character (and ours), by defining His Character!

His power and authority
Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? (38:4)
Have you ever given orders to the morning (38:12)

His knowledge and wisdom
What is the way to the abode of light, where does the darkness reside? (38:19)
Do you know the laws of the heavens? (38:33)

His provision of grace and mercy
Who provides food for the raven (38:41)
Do you watch when the doe bears her fawn? (39:1)

Then comes the questions that God asks Job, the question that God asks all of us in the midst of our sufferings! Job 40:8b Would you condemn me to justify yourself?" In his attempt to explain his suffering, Job was elevating his status, and questioning God's character. But after experiencing God's character, Job responds with repentance.

Our repentance should reveal that The Lord our God is holy, righteous, and powerful. There are mysteries I will never understand. I am unworthy and repent of my pride.

When we realize God's character and our position we will finally also understand God's grace and mercy. Our answer to the questions is:

"I sinned, and perverted what was right, but I did not get what I deserved. He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit, and I will live to enjoy the light." (Job 33:27-28)

So when we go through suffering, make sure you have the right perspective. Instead of focusing on ourselves, focus on the God who loves you and who provides you. Trust in God's character