February 4, 2011

Job 3
Have you ever felt that low? “Why does God let me live when life is miserable and so bitter?” The question blatantly questions God’s love. “I have no peace or rest—only troubles and worries.” Sometimes the pain is so bad that we just can’t get off of the focus upon our own rotten circumstances—and they are rotten. Is that part of what Jesus was experiencing when upon the cross He cried, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Somehow, I think the level of spiritual pain that Jesus was experiencing was far deeper than Job’s worst nightmares. Jesus could have come off of the cross had he chosen to do so. But in the midst of the pain, He chose to stay. Conversely, Job could not bring himself out of his pit, but he would have if he had the opportunity. Jesus stayed on the cross to the point of death in order to deliver us from death. That is love! The next time that I am wallowing in self-pity, I need to remember that Jesus endured worse, and He endured it for me, for us. Perhaps my suffering with that attitude will bring more glory to Him. Lord, help me to keep my eyes on You and not my circumstances. Indeed we serve a glorious King! Speak His glory to someone today!
--Pastor john