DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- TWO REQUESTS

DAD'S RAMBLINGS --TWO REQUESTS

Job's prayer: " 'Only two things do not do to me, then I will not hide myself from you: (Do not) withdraw Your hand far from me, and let not the dread of You make me afraid.' " (Job 13:20-21)

Much of the Book of Job is a dialogue between Job and his "friends." The counsel of Job's visitors is like a broken record. Do you remember the old stereo discs that got scratched and played the same groove over and over again? That's what I hear when I read their comments. Over and over again they accuse Job – accuse Job – accuse Job – accuse Job – of being unrighteous and that he is suffering because of his sin. It sounds like words from Satan who is the accuser of the brethren (see Revelation 12:10).

Because their advice is so repetitious, our gleanings will focus on Job's faith. Even though he is suffering greatly, and sometimes is despondent, yet through the darkness shines the glow of his faith.

In this prayer, he has two requests: He entreats God to not abandon him, and to deliver him from fear.

His prayer expresses two great bedrocks of faith. First, that there is a God who was involved in his life. He was not far away, but was near. And secondly, that God would deliver him from his fear. In effect, he confessed that God is sovereign and compassionate in all that he does, and he entreated God to not abandon him. If he could know that God was there, he would not fear.

If we see God as a big ogre, then we will run away from Him. But if we understand how loving and merciful His is, we will run toward Him. If you are avoiding God because of some pain, know that God has not abandoned you. You can come to Him without fear. He hears your prayer and knows your heart. Do not fear. He will bring you through.

Love, Dad