Sunday, August 2, 2020
![jobww[1]](https://thenoontimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/jobww1.jpg?w=396&h=232)
Out of the Storm
Then the Lord addressed Job out of the storm and said . . .
In this first of the Wisdom Books there is much to learn. A loyal and faithful servant is suddenly struck with misfortune and is further beset by a long series of disasters. Friends berate him; his wife suggests that he curse God and die; yet through all of the adversity Job keeps his eye on God and his heart in God’s hands. And it is out of the storm that seems to destroy Job that the Lord speaks.
God says: Despite what some may believe I do not delight in the troubles that stalk the world. Although you may not fully recognize my presence I am with you always. Regardless of what others tell you, I will not abandon even one of you or take my watchful eye from you. I accompany you through the heavy times as well as the joyful ones. Even as the storm of life rages around you I am in the tempest, and it is out of this tempest that I speak to you as I speak to my servant Job to ask: Were you present when the land and her creatures were created . . . were you there when I placed the stars in the heavens . . . have you ever made the sun rise or the tides ebb? You do not know the intimate details of my plan but know that I hold you in the palm of my hand. The calamity that appears so enormous to you is as a grain of sand to me and yet from that grain of sand will come a pearl of great price. Abide with me as Job does . . . and see what plans I have in mind for you. Plans for you joy and not your woe.
As Paul tells the Romans, and us: Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are God’s judgments and how unsearchable are God’s ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been God’s counselor? Or who has given God anything that he may be repaid. For from God and through God and for God are all things. To God be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:30-36)
![storm-sunshine[1]](https://thenoontimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/storm-sunshine1.jpg?w=300&h=194)
Although we cannot hope to comprehend God’s economy, we have hope in the resurrection. Although we cannot hope to feel God’s immediate presence in the storms that enter our lives, we have hope in God’s love.
Spend time with the Book of Job today, or enter the word Job into the blog search bar and reflect on Job’s story.
For a thumbnail sketch of what happens in this story, click on the storm image above or go to: http://www.bibletutor.com/level1/program/start/books/oldtest/psalms/job.htm
Sun image from: http://juliebolduc.com/2012/07/25/sunshine-just-after-the-storm/
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