September 12: Glorious Ruins

Job 15:1-17:16

Job 16: 7-17

Amplified Bible (AMP)

7 But now [God] has taken away my strength. You [O Lord] have made desolate all my family and associates.

8 You have laid firm hold on me and have shriveled me up, which is a witness against me; and my leanness [and wretched state of body] are further evidence [against me]; [they] testify to my face.

9 [[a]My adversary Satan] has torn [me] in his wrath and hated and persecuted me; he has gnashed upon me with his teeth; my adversary sharpens his eyes against me.

10 [The forces of evil] have gaped at me with their mouths; they have struck me upon the cheek insolently; they massed themselves together and conspired unanimously against me.

11 God has delivered me to the ungodly (to the evil one) and cast me [headlong] into the hands of the wicked (Satan’s host).

12 I was living at ease, but [Satan] crushed me and broke me apart; yes, he seized me by the neck and dashed me in pieces; then he set me up for his target.

13 [Satan’s] arrows whiz around me. He slashes open my vitals and does not spare; he pours out my gall on the ground.

14 [Satan] stabs me, making breach after breach and attacking again and again; he runs at me like a giant and irresistible warrior.

15 I have sewed sackcloth over my skin [as a sign of mourning] and have defiled my horn (my insignia of strength) in the dust.

16 My face is red and swollen with weeping, and on my eyelids is the shadow of death [my eyes are dimmed],

17 Although there is no guilt or violence in my hands and my prayer is pure.

Okay I know someone is feeling this way today. When I was young, I read about Job and felt thankful I didn't know anyone who had ever experienced Job's extreme circumstances. But today, as I reflect on natural disasters, wars, the Holocaust, September 11th, and many other horrific events, I realize phenomenons such as Job's nightmare happen to people all the time!

I have met people who have been through more pain than I could possibly imagine. 

And many times, it seems no one even has a moment to listen to their story. Or, they have flippant words of advice to give the poor soul.

"Jesus today someone is reading this who is hurting deeply very much like Job when he penned these words. Please help her to finish this amazing account. Please help her to fall on her face at the foot of Your cross. Please give her peace in the midst of her storm. Please assure her You know from personal experience what it feels like. Comfort and encourage her today, Jesus. I give You praise and adoration. You are worthy even when we are in unbearable pain. In Your precious name we ask this, AMEN."