January 13 – Job 35-37

Today’s reading comes from Job 35-37. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word.

Throughout Job we have witnessed the calamities brought upon his family. We have seen his misery. We have felt his hurt and pains. We have sat on the sidelines and watched as three friends tried in a horrible way to counsel Job. Through it all we have seen the glory of God, his power and majesty, his sovereignty all revealed by Job and his friends. But in any of that did we see praise?

As Elihu continues his thoughts he asks this same very question … “People cry out under a load of oppression; they plead for relief from the arm of the powerful. But no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night, who teaches us more than he teaches the beasts of the earth and makes us wiser than the birds of the sky?” (Job 35:9-11 NIV84). I feel Elihu makes an awesome point.

Reflect on your life and how you handle the ups and downs of life. When times are good do you remember to praise and thank God for the blessings you know and experience? Or does it seem easy to forget God and what he has blessed you with? Now think of the valleys, the days that are hard … do you find yourself asking God why, maybe even blaming God, or at the very least frustrated with God? And then do you find yourself praising God through the valleys?

The author of James tells us to consider it joy when we face trials of many kinds because it is going to strengthen us and make us better (James 1:2-4). Are the valleys of life fun? Certainly not! But there is surly blessings that can be found in them. Just remember, the next valley you find yourself in, to ask what God is planning for your life that he is preparing you now for. In that you may just find praise and joy.