“My days are swifter than a runner, they speed by without seeing happiness. 26 They glide by like reed boats, like an eagle that swoops down on its prey. 27 If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will change my expression and be cheerful,’ 28 I dread all my sufferings, for I know that you do not hold me blameless. 29 If I am guilty, why then weary myself in vain?” Job 9:25-29 NET
Lord God,
What a picture. A runner, in those days delivering a message and if bad news not welcomed. Reed boats speeding to buy goods and an eagle speeding to kill its prey who has done nothing to deserve death. Life passes and Job suffers on soon to be passed himself. Not cheerful.
I do not find Job east to read but the question of suffering is discussed. Job replies to Bildad that he cannot for a minute forget his complaint, his bereavement and ill health and suffering. He cannot change his expression and pretend to be cheerful.
There are times we cannot be falsely cheerful. Job is concerned that he cannot have it out with You God. He says a few verses later in verse 33, “If only there were someone to mediate between us,
someone to bring us together, someone to remove God’s rod from me, so that his terror would frighten me no more. Then I would speak up without fear of him, but as it now stands with me, I cannot.”
Thank You that we do. Jesus who stands in the gap between Me and You, God. So in all situations I can know Your presence and forgiveness. Even in suffering or ill health. You did not answer all Jobs questions about suffering, You reminded Him You are God and then You restored Him.
Remind us that You are still Almighty God and loving Saviour despite what we may be going through. Be our rock and defender and healing and the provider of life and all that is good beyond this earths trouble.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Lord God,
We do not understand sickness and trauma and distress. We do not have all the answers and come to You to look for help and strength and all we need and for our families and friends. We ask for healing and provision for those who are in need. Help us when we cannot understand, to trust. And know Your help and comfort with us.
We pray for the end to war and conflict in Ukraine and other areas of the world where power drives the leaders and greed directs their plans. Open blind eyes to see mercy.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship 17th August 2023
A hymn written out of suffering and loss.
When peace like a river attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
“It is well, it is well with my soul.”
It is well with my soul;
it is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control:
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and has shed his own blood for my soul. Refrain.
My sin oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
my sin, not in part, but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more;
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
O Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend;
even so, it is well with my soul.
Lyrics: Horatio Gates Spafford
Horatio G. Spafford was a successful lawyer and businessman who suffered tremendous loss in his life. Not only did he lose his business in the great Chicago fire, but he and his wife lost their son to scarlet fever and then later lost all four daughters to shipwreck in the Atlantic. Shortly after the wreck, Spafford journeyed to England through the very waters where his daughters perished. It was on that journey that he penned the lyrics to “It Is Well.”