Job 3:23 Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in?
Growing up in church, I was under the impression that we were not to question God. My adolescent brain interpreted that to mean that I was not to whine or complain to God about the trials in my life, which left me feeling like I had to put on a facade with God, a front the everything was a-ok, even if it felt like all was falling apart. As an adult facing the realities of life, which sometimes seem incredibly unfair and grossly troubling, I decided that I needed to be honest with God. Always.
Job 3:24 For sighing has become my daily food; my groans pour out like water.
Repeatedly in the commentary for this chapter, Job’s words are called a poetic “outpouring of an honest, agonizing soul.” Truthfully, I don’t think God wants a sanitized relationship with His beloved children. He wants us to be able to come to Him, to share our troubles and agonies. He gave me these deep emotions. He’s certainly big enough to handle them. And by being honest with Him, I can begin to work through my transient feelings so that I can lean into His eternal truth.
Job 3:25 What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for making me such an emotional being—it is only because I can know the heights of joy that I also am capable of feeling the depths of despair. Help me remember that my feelings are transitory, but that You are eternal, steadfast, and true. Help me to be open and honest with You always, so that I can move past my feelings and into Your truth. Draw me closer. Amen.
Job 3:26 I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.
Have a blessed day.