Read Job 30
Highlights:
Job's proclamation of integrity; Elihu's offer to intercede for Job.
They abhor me . . . and spare not to spit in my face. . . . I cry unto Thee, and Thou dost not hear me (Job 30:10,20).
There seemed to be no end to the anguish which Job suffered — even contempt from those who spit in his face as he cried in prayer. As far as he could determine, God was not hearing his prayers: Thou regardest me not (30:20).
We will find ourselves in places like Job was — the place where God's voice is not so clear and often cannot be heard at all. We must realize that God says during these times He is always there. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee (Heb. 13:5). We are clearly never without God. If you desire to hear God speak to you, He is as close as your Bible is to you right now. The Word of God will guide you in the right ways to go in life. You can follow it just as if God was giving you audible directions. Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. . . . The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple (Ps. 119: 105,130).
One of the most difficult testings for a Christian to endure is to pray, and continue praying, without any apparent sign that God has heard. But the effectiveness of our prayers cannot be judged by immediate results. God may not grant our request because He wants to provide something better or He may withhold material benefits in order to impart spiritual enlightenment. David is an example of waiting upon the Lord (Is. 40:31). Samuel had anointed him to be king as a young man (I Sam. 16:13), yet he ran for his life for years as a fugitive, desperate, with enemies all around. During these years he depended completely on his faith in the Lord, saying: I wait for my God (Ps. 69:3). David was ultimately blessed by not only becoming king of God's chosen people (II Sam. 2:4; 5:3), but Jesus is referred to as the Son of David. His greatest praise came when God called him, a man after Mine own heart (Acts 13:22).
The very fact that our requests are sometimes granted and sometimes denied is proof in itself that we are cared for by a God of love whose ways are governed by His wisdom and always for our best. It's because of His great love for us that He moves to provide what is profitable to us. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ (Eph. 1:3).
How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counseller? (Rom. 11:33-34).
Thought for Today:
God gives more grace as the burdens become greater.
Christ Revealed:
Through the ridicule and affliction which Job suffered (Job 30:10-11). Christ was afflicted and spit upon. After Pilate delivered Jesus to the Roman soldiers, they beat Him, hit Him with an open hand and spit on Him; and then they crucified Him (Mark 15:15-20; Is. 50:6; 53:2-5; Matt. 27:26-31; John 18:22; 19:1-3).
Word Studies:
30:2 whereto, how; 30:4 mallows, plants of the salt marsh; 30:14 wide breaking in of waters, waters gushing through a wide break in the wall; 30:27 My bowels boiled, My heart is continually troubled; days of affliction prevented, every day brings more suffering; 31:10 grind unto, be a slave to; 31:40 cockle, thorny weeds; 32:19 belly, feeling in my heart.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Gina Lesnefsky • Government Officials: Sen. Dianne Feinstein (CA) and Rep. Adam B. Schiff (CA) • Country: Italy (58 million) in southern Europe • Major languages: Italian and German • Religious freedom • 81% Roman Catholic; .4% Protestant; .1% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Delight in the Word of God; prayerfully meditate upon it for daily guidance (Ps. 1:2).
Optional Reading: Ephesians 5
Memory Verse for the Week: Ecclesiastes 12:13
