S - Job
35:1-8 (NIV): "Then Elihu said: "Do you think this is just? You say,
'I will be cleared by God.' Yet you ask him, 'What profit is it to me, and what
do I gain by not sinning?' "I would like to reply to you and to your
friends with you. Look up at the heavens
and see; gaze at the clouds so high above you. If you sin, how does that affect
him? If your sins are many, what does that do to him? If you are righteous,
what do you give to him, or what does he receive from your hand? Your wickedness
affects only a man like yourself, and your righteousness only the sons of
men."
O - Elihu captures the bi-polar
experience of humans when the misery of God’s mysterious and brilliant ways
overtakes them. Surrounded by the
difficulties of inexplicable circumstances we humans vacillate between utter despair
(I quit following because it's futile) and God's character and unfailing love
(He loves me and is working everything for good). He also identifies the
reality of God's insular existence and his unflinching decision to not live in
it. By nature he has no need and there
is no one/nothing that can unilaterally affect him. Yet, this story will conclude
with the beauty of God's ongoing connection with and commitment to the
creatures/humans he has made. He is
insular by nature and yet he chooses to directly interface with his creation.
Jesus asks (Luke 12:6-7):"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet
not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are
all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
A - God
Almighty, Heaven, Jesus and the Scriptures all confirm that regardless of how
things may currently appear, we are not alone, not on our own and not our own. This will be Job's discovery and experience
and this continues to be mine. Not once or twice but repeatedly. I have been in the bi-polar dynamics
described and my opinion is that I will be in them again. Not only so, but I will not be in them alone
and God is not offended when this wild swing from one extreme to the other is
"rocking my world." I used to
think the goal was getting to such a state that I would never be subject to
such fits. While the frequency may
diminish over time … this is not the point.
A lack of despair can come from sources other than confidence in God
(e.g. emotional collapse/shut down, current human resource to overcome the
situation "without God", ignorance/naiveté, etc.). The
"goal" is the same regardless of boon or battle, undeserved
challenge or unexpected blessing. Today I will not be the master of all my
circumstances but I can choose where and how I will live. Today, I will abide in him, in his love and
in his words unto the life that is really life.
He is for us, with us and will not change his mind. Today I will live in the confident reality
that I am loved and not alone; that I am loved and not on my own; and that I am
loved and not my own.
P - Lord
who is love and is near,
I thank you for being the author
of every day and for committing to work every thing in it for good. I admit
(according to your awesome brilliance, limitless power and extreme goodness)
that you are purposeful in everything you cause and in everything you
allow. I choose (according to the grace
that is in Jesus) to abide in you, your words and your love … unto new
wineskins, mulberry trees in the ocean and to that which is too wonderful for me. I love you back and say YES to all
that is in your heart and mind to do. I
will follow and stay near … all the rest I leave where it belongs … your will
on earth like it happens in heaven. I'll watch for you and when my vision is
weak I'll look for and keep my eyes on the sparrows.
Steve
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