December 9, 2011

Job 30:1-23 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
John 16:25-33, Revelation 3:14-22, Joel 2-3

Journal Entry

Scripture

19 God has cast me into the mire, and I have become like dust and ashes.
20 I cry to you for help and you do not answer me; I stand, and you only look at me.
21 You have turned cruel to me; with the might of your hand you persecute me.
22 You lift me up on the wind; you make me ride on it, and you toss me about in the roar of the storm.
23 For I know that you will bring me to death and to the house appointed for all living. (ESV)

Observation

Today’s passage describes the most desperate and hopeless state of Job’s heart. He feels that God is no longer there for him and his communication with God is completely cut off. Reading this passage also reminded me of the words Jesus spoke on the cross just before his last breath – “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34). Neither Job nor Jesus committed any sins or wrongdoings to deserve such difficult and harsh suffering, but in order to fulfill God’s greater purpose, they had to endure hardship and make personal sacrifices.

Application

What personal sacrifices am I making for the Lord to fulfill His great commission? I’m ashamed to admit that my level of commitment and sacrifice in investing my time and energy for doing God’s work has not been that high. I often worry more about my own convenience and comfort rather than considering first what God might want to have me do. I will be more intentional about making myself more available for God and the people around me for the sake of expanding His Kingdom.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for convicting my heart with your truth today. Forgive me for my lack of commitment and sacrifice in serving you. Forgive me for my selfish and arrogant attitude in thinking that I’m already making enough sacrifices in serving you. Help me to be sensitive to the needs of the people around me and cultivate a stronger desire in me to make myself more available to minister to them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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