PrayerBits for Thursday

PrayerBits

A bite sized devotional program
produced by the West Side Presbyterian Church

Thursday

Scripture lesson: Job 23:1-9; 16-17 Job complaint

Time to reflect:

The “he” throughout these verse is God. Job feels he is being unjustly picked on (which he is). He is bitterly calling on God to come and explain things and let Job defend himself. When God does appear, it is a very humbling experience for Job. Not what he envisioned.

Moving through the day: Because this passage is in Scripture, it show that complaining to God is acceptable (even if we aren't always happy with the response!). Is there anything in your life you'd like to gripe to God about and get it off your chest?

Scripture:

Job 23:1-9; 16-17

Job Replies: My Complaint Is Bitter

23Then Job answered:
2‘Today also my complaint is bitter;*
   his* hand is heavy despite my groaning.
3O that I knew where I might find him,
   that I might come even to his dwelling!
4I would lay my case before him,
   and fill my mouth with arguments.
5I would learn what he would answer me,
   and understand what he would say to me.
6Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?
   No; but he would give heed to me.
7There an upright person could reason with him,
   and I should be acquitted for ever by my judge.

8‘If I go forward, he is not there;
   or backward, I cannot perceive him;
9on the left he hides, and I cannot behold him;
   I turn* to the right, but I cannot see him.

16God has made my heart faint;
   the Almighty* has terrified me;
17If only I could vanish in darkness,
   and thick darkness would cover my face!*