Who gives intuition to the heart and instinct to the mind? Job 38:36

God is not the source of every impulse but there are times that we instinctively know, in ways we can never explain logically, that He is inviting us to take a different route than planned.  Not every journey can be directed by GPS along an efficient expressway.  Sometimes God invites us off-roading and we intuitively  know we are supposed to go.

Lord, help me recognize and respond to the intuitions and instincts You’ve put in my heart and mind.

Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me if you know so much. Job 38:4

Just because we enjoy a close and loving relationship with the Creator of the universe does not make us His equals. If we actually believe He is all knowing, all powerful, and good then He deserves our trust and cooperation rather than resistance and questions. If we actually believe He made us, along with everything else, we should be awestruck, humbled, and honored by His presence in our lives.

You’re God and I’m not. Really not. Forgive me when I act like I am.

Consider the lilies…Matt. 6:28, Luke 12:27;                                                          Consider the ravens…Luke 12:24;                                                                                    Consider the ant…Prov. 6:6;                                                                                         Consider the heavens…Ps. 8:3;                                                                                          Consider the wondrous works of God…Job 37:14

I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand. I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say. Job 40:4-5

The desire for a complete, linear explanation that makes sense can lead right past God’s honest truth  Sometimes we just have to stop trying to figure out “hows” and “whys” and trust that God is good and wise and loving and let that be enough. Wonder and obedience lead to truth and wisdom that defy human logic or easy categorization.

Lord, I think I need to spend more time with my mouth shut.

Your words have supported those who were falling… But now when trouble strikes, you lose heart. You are terrified when it touches you. Job 4:4b-5

All over the world today people are facing devastating loss in the wake of disasters, many with inspiring, authentic trust in God. Offering compassion, comfort and help is easy, but I wonder how well I would deal if I were on the receiving end. If everything we know about God is just as true on the worst day of our lives as it is on the best, then I don’t want to wimp out when trouble comes to me.

Lord, calm fear and build faith so that You are glorified even when we are devastated.

God is leading you away from danger, Job, to a place free from distress. He is setting your table with the best food. Job 36:16

Trusting through periods of  distress is like being able to smell a savory meal on the table at home while we’re still stuck in traffic. In order to keep following we have to know that God is good and that His intentions for us and for those we love are always motivated by His love for us. Knowing this helps us to keep following and to stay optimistic so that when the present is hard and the future is uncertain His joyful table is still tangible.

Lord, I’m starting to smell what You’re cooking.