Job 18:1-4 - Then
Bildad the Shuhite replied: "When will you end these speeches? Be sensible, and then we can talk. Why are we regarded as cattle
and considered stupid in your sight? You who tear yourself to pieces
in your anger, is the earth to be abandoned for your sake? Or
must the rocks be moved from their place?
Bildad speaks for the second time. His harsh words mimic those of his friend. He
doesn’t understand why Job will not listen to their wisdom and repent of the
sin that he thinks is causing the problem. He shouts a long list of harsh
punishments that God reserves for the most wicked of people…insinuating that
Job is on his way to being that wicked.
It reminds me of one of those arguments that one wins. Both
sides are so locked in their way that no real compromise is made by either
party. A mediator has to be called in to
even suggest what options might be available to settle the dispute. The problem
with Job and Bildad is that the ultimate mediator…God…has not decided to
intervene yet.
Bildad spoke from his arrogance and pride. He used his It
was more important for him to prove he was right…than to truly look into the
heart of his hurting friend…and help him search for answers that might solve
his problem. He knew the penalty for sin…and was right in saying the wages of
sin was death…but he forgot to ask God about Job’s case. He became defensive…and let the anger he felt
at Job control the words that came from his mouth.
I understand all too well Bildad’s problem…I used to be just
like him. I always insisted that I was right…and
never even considered letting God help me decide a decision. My defensive
arrogance played a huge part in the divorce from my first husband. We used to fight so hard to prove we were
right…and never once stopped to pray together…and ask God to settle the
arguments we invented to help justify our lack of love we gave each other.
How amazing is God’s love…that is can replace that horrible
arrogance and defensive anger…with his perfect love and peace and understanding. It gives me such hope to know that even when
I did not ask for help…God was working a big plan to save me from myself…and
the decision we both made to give upon 30 years of love. We chose to stop
trying…instead of work through the storm.
But even in that…God forgave…and is working in our lives to change us
into creatures that love him more than we do ourselves. He is helping us to
repair the damage it did to our children…one day at a time.
Oh how I plead with those of you that love God to work
through your storms….to invite God into the boat with you so he can tell the
storm to quiet down around you…and bring peace where there is hostility and
hate…just like Jesus did in Mark 4. We have to ask him aboard you know…before
he can do anything to help us. Only God can truly help you navigate safely
through the mess you have created with your pride.
Father…thank you for reminding me that I need you more than I
need to be right. Help me to accept the
complete control you need over my heart...so that I can release all the anger…and
hate…and bitterness…I feel over the hurts in my life. Help me to see that my need to be right is
keeping me from experiencing the great calming peace that passes understanding…and
growing closer to your perfect plan for my life. Give me this morning a new
need to always look up and ask you what to do…to always call out to you for
guidance in all that I do. Amen.
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